Joseph E. Baldwin, 94, of Independence, MO died February 10, 2011 at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence. Mr. Baldwin was born January 31, 1917 in Oak Lawn, IL to Fred and Fannie (Palmer) Baldwin. Joe attended Graceland College and graduated from University of Kentucky in 1941. He worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone, and Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company before he accepted full-time appointment with The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Community of Christ) in 1937. He held the offices of Priest, Elder, Seventy, High Priest, Bishop and Patriarch. Joe served the church in Portland, OR, Canada, the Southern Mission, Kansas City and Independence. He also directed a financial survey of the Orient Mission, served as Auditorium Minister and Patriarch under the direction of the Council of Twelve Apostles, and served as Chaplain of the Independence Sanitarium and Hospital. He retired from Church appointment in 1979 after 43 years in the Mission field in service of his heavenly Father. After retirement he worked part-time for Speaks Funeral Home and for Swim Things, Inc. On June 4, 1943 he married LaNita Fern Seaton at the Stone Church in Independence, MO, and they shared over 66 years of marriage until her death on April 25, 2010. They lived for many years on R.D. Mize Road in Independence, before moving to Blue Springs, MO. In 2006, they moved to the Groves in Independence, MO. Joe's family would like to thank the staff at the Groves for their loving care and support during his stay there. His survivors include two sons and their wives, Charles and Sally Baldwin, Kenneth and Cheryl Baldwin; one daughter and her husband, LaNita and David Abramson; eight grandchildren, David Baldwin, Amy Davenport, Bradley Baldwin, Joey Baldwin, Wesley Baldwin, Adam Abramson, Lindsey Borns and Whitney Bobbitt; as well as eight great grandchildren. Joe was preceded in death by his wife; parents; three brothers, Charles, Fred and David; and one sister, Grace Willis. A visitation will take place from 7-8:30 p.m. on Monday, February 14, at the Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO. The service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 15, with an opportunity for friends to greet the family starting at 10:00 a.m. at the Groves Community Room, 1515 W. White Oak, Independence, MO. Burial to follow at Mound Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to Community Service League (www.cslcares.org) or Restoration Trail Foundation Endowment Fund (www.historicsitesfoundation.org)



Joseph E. Baldwin, 94, of Independence, MO died Feb. 10, 2011. Visitation from 7-8:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 14, at the Speaks Suburban Chapel. Service at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 15, at the Groves Community Room. Burial to follow at Mound Grove Cemetery. (Arr: Speaks Suburban Chapel 816-373-3600) Speaks Suburban Funeral Home, 18020 E 39th St, Independence, MO 64051, 816-373-3600
Published in Kansas City Star on February 12, 2011