Harry Richard Baldwin

Harry R. Baldwin

Harry Richard Baldwin, 85, left this world Jan 24, 2009 at his home in Torrington, Wyo, surrounded by his family.

He was born June 20, 1923 in Rapid City, S.D., the son of Harry L. Baldwin and Edith (Hollenbeck) Baldwin.

Harry grew up on the family homestead southwest of Van Tassell, Wyo. His early school days were at the Price school 3/4 of a mile from the Baldwin's home place. Mrs. Jack Burham was the teacher. Later Harry attended the Prairie Center School, with Jay Lacus teaching. Early adulthood took Harry to the University of Wyoming attending a work class in carpentry. While there, the class helped build a student dorm.

Harry was drafted into the army in 1946 at Ft. Francis E. Warren, Cheyenne, Wyo., and trained at Ft. Knox, KY, a proud member of the Van Tassell Ferdinand Branstetter American Legion Post #1 for 61 years.

Harry met his wife Belle (Norris) Baldwin at a dance held at the Prairie Center schoolhouse. They were united in marriage at the Parish of the Congregational Church, Torrington, WY in 1951. Vern Browder and Helen (Browder) Bower were witnesses. They were united for 57 years.

The couple started their career in the Registered Black Angus cattle business with the purchase of six registered black heifers from Belle's dad, Morgan Norris at the Wyo. Angus Association sale.

Harry joined the American Angus Association in 1952 as Harry R. Baldwin and Sons, selling bulls in Rushville, Neb. for years, and culminating his Registered Angus cattle business career with private bull and heifer sales at the ranch. Harry's life pleasure was cattle ranching.

Harry never really retired upon the move to Torrington in 1991. Helping friends and family members, no job was too big or too small, he was always just a phone call away.

Later years Harry shared many a recycled, refurbished or built from scratch items with the Torrington Senior Center for their annual rummage sale. He was just not a man to be idle.

Harry is survived by his wife Orpha B. Baldwin, Torrington, Wyo., sons Gerald Baldwin of Van Tassell, Wyo., Barry Baldwin and wife Melva of Van Tassell, Loren Baldwin and wife Christina of Springview, Neb., brother Edward Baldwin and wife Wilma of Torrington, Wyo., seven grandchildren: Chandra Baldwin of Laramie, Wyo., Joni Matthews of Torrington, Jill Waymire of Torrington, Ashley Parrie of Casper, Wyo., Meagan Baldwin of Neligh, Neb., Robert Baldwin of Beloit, Kan. and Elizabeth Baldwin of Springview, Neb., and five great grandchildren.

Memorial service will be held at the First Baptist church, 301 S. Elm, Lusk, Wyo., Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009 at 2 p.m. Interment will be held at the Lusk Cemetery with Military Honors.

Friends may contribute in Harry's memory to the American Legion Ferdinand Branstetter post #1, Van Tassell, in care of Donald Heckert, Van Tassell, WY 82242.

Images & Attachments

Related/Linked Records