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In Memory

Donald W Baldridge - Class Of 1950 VIEW PROFILE

Donald W Baldridge

Donald W. Baldridge Obituary                 

Donald W. Baldridge

Oct. 11, 1931 - Sep. 24, 2017

ELKHART - Donald W. Baldridge, 85, passed away on September 24, 2017 in Miller's Merry Manor in Wakarusa, Indiana after a lengthy battle with cancer. Donald was born on October 11, 1931 to Walter and Berniece (Zerbe) Baldridge. Don graduated from Riley High School in South Bend, Indiana in 1950. After graduation, he joined the Navy where he served from 1950-1954. On July 3, 1952, at the River Park United Methodist Church he married Nancy Guisinger, who preceded him in death on April 15, 2015. After his military service, he went to Ball State University where he received his BS Degree in Education, and he later received his MS in Education from Ball State. He was an Industrial Arts and DECA teacher from 1957-1970 in Plymouth, Elkhart, and South Bend, Indiana school districts. In 1970, he left teaching to become Director of the Manpower program in South Bend. Later, He moved to Elkhart to become Director of the Work Force Development program. Before his retirement, he received the highly prestigious Sagamore Award for service to the State of Indiana, being presented to him by former Governor Evan Bayh.

Don and Nancy did many things together such as traveling, gambling, playing cards, hanging out with family and friends, and attending Jimtown High School football games. But, as everyone knows, his true love was fishing and you would never see Mom and Dad together then. Nancy would enjoy their cottage on Big Fish Lake in Marcellus, Michigan and Don would enjoy their boat while fishing out on the lake. The family would like to thank the staff at Miller's Merry Manor in Wakarusa for their excellent care they gave their Dad while he resided there.

Don leaves behind four children, Lynne (Scott) Sill, Lori (Gary) Greenwell, Lisa Baldridge, and Lance (Christine) Baldridge; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Berniece Baldridge; and one sister, JoAnn Baldridge.

Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, September 27, 2017 from 4-8 PM at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Highway, Osceola, IN 46561. A funeral service in Don's honor will be on Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 10 AM at the funeral home with calling one hour prior. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Valley Memorial Cemetery with military honors at graveside. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Center for Hospice, 111 East Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637



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