Byron Baldwin

Byron Reed Baldwin, 81, of Idaho Falls, passed away February 12, 2011, at his home in Ammon, Idaho, surrounded by his loved ones, of asbestosis. Byron was born May 29, 1929, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to John Reuben Baldwin and Helen Bullock Harman Baldwin. He grew up and attended schools in Salt Lake and graduated from West High School. He worked as an insulator throughout the northwest. Byron married the love of his life, Edna Arlene Sorensen, on May 12, 1950, in Las Vegas. Nevada. They moved to Idaho Falls 49 years ago. Their marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple August 13, 1970. Byron and Arlene were seldom apart because they thoroughly enjoyed each other's company. They put that to good use as they owned and operated The Rose Shop in Idaho Falls together for 18 years. In 1981, they sold the business to David & Jacque Higham. Byron and Arlene's passion was their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Byron especially loved attending their ballgames and he was a fixture throughout Idaho Falls in the stadiums and gyms, where he seldom missed a ballgame. For 18 years Byron and Arlene enjoyed their winters together in Yuma, Arizona, where they made many new friends and were visited often by family. In May, 2010, they celebrated their 60th Anniversary with an evening at The Rose Shop with family and friends. An active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Byron served in various capacities over the years, including High Priest Group Secretary and Sports Director. He enjoyed coaching sports teams for 35 years, including Little League Baseball, Babe Ruth Baseball, Girl's Fastpitch Softball, City League basketball and softball, and high school baseball. The individuals he coached are his closest friends and relationships. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, coaching, woodwork, and ceramic art. Byron is survived by his loving wife, Arlene, two daughters, Diane (John) Griffin and Deridee (Todd) Brooks, both of Idaho Falls, ID; three sons, Darrell (Carol) Baldwin of Rigby, ID, and Dale (Sally) Baldwin and Donnie (Lori) Baldwin, both of Idaho Falls, ID; two sisters, Louise Purdue of Salt Lake City, UT, and Norma (Glen) Bennett of Bountiful, UT; 20 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Elmer Baldwin and Floyd Baldwin, three grandchildren, Justin Griffin, Spencer Brooks, and Stephanie Griffin. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 16, 2011, at the Ammon LDS 15th Ward, 3000 Central Avenue, with Bishop Brett Acor officiating. The family will visit with friends Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 South Ammon Road, and Wednesday from 12 to 12:45 p.m. at the church. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery.

Funeral Services

Wednesday February 16, 2011 , 1:00 p.m. at Ammon LDS 15th Ward

The family will visit with friends Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 South Ammon Road, and Wednesday from 12-12:45 p.m. at the church.

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