Mary Baldwin

(From Parker Mortuary)

Mary Etta Baldwin (Harris) of Joplin, Mo. passed away on Tuesday, January 2, 2024

Mary was born in Jefferson City, Missouri on April 5, 1937 to the late George Harris and Jacqueline Harris (Kelly.)

Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, William David Baldwin, Jr., her mother, her father, and her beloved son William David Baldwin III.

Survivors include two daughters; Donna Martin and Debbie Feken; grandchildren, Dennis, Donny, Dustin, and Daniel Martin, Steve Feken, Tiffany Buck, Scott Feken, William David Baldwin IV, Jessica Heinz, Jennifer Baldwin, and several great-grandchildren.

Mary began working at the early age of 14 years old babysitting to make spending money for fun. Mary loved riding bicycles, going to the movies, and going out for ice cream with her best friend, Maxine. 

One spring day in 1952, Mary and Maxine were walking to the movies when she met William (Bill). Mary and William (Bill) dated a few short months and were married June 22, 1952. They were blessed with 3 children. 

Mary also was devoted to her mother Jacqueline. She spent her free time helping her. She also loved to take her mother bargain hunting and to garage sales. Mary worked retail most her life until she started a business called Bill’s Rebuild rebuilding rear ends and transmissions for diesels. Mary was the bookkeeper and she had many other duties. 

Mary’s son, William David Baldwin III, passed away on May 31, 1998. Mary then stepped up to raise William’s three children. Mary loved having her grandchildren around so much that she built a swimming pool to entice them all to come around. Mary kept food, snacks, and drinks in the house at all times. Mary was a very special grandmother.

Mary passed away peacefully with her daughter by her side.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.