Baldwin Jr., Morris Nathan
Morris Nathan Baldwin, Jr., of 6297 Swiss Knob Drive, Claytor Lake, passed peacefully into God’s heavenly home Sunday, December 2, 2007, at the age of 87.
Morris was born in West Grove, Pennsylvania on February 25, 1920. He was the only son of the late Morris Nathan Baldwin, Sr. and Louise Taylor Baldwin of Kennett Square, Pa. He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Opal Marie Moore Baldwin.
He is survived by his sister, Evelina Baldwin Lawrence, Alturas, Calif.; his daughters and sons-in-law, Suzie and Butch Hager, Las Vegas, Nev. and Kathy and Freddie Bishop; his son, Mark H. Baldwin and special daughter-in-law, Frances P. Baldwin, of Claytor Lake; special daughter and spouse, Danelle and Clay Summers, Lexington, S.C.; a special son, Drew C. Davis, of Radford and Morris’ wonderful, loving caregiver, Mrs. Carol Ward, of the Mt. View community in Dublin. Carol was an angel sent from God to spend two and a half years loving, caring and listening to the tales and travels of Morris and Marie.
Morris is also survived by his grandchildren, Michael and Katie Hager and David and Latrise Hager, all of Las Vegas, Nev., Amy and Eric Berry and Becky Bishop, of Claytor Lake, Taylor and Courtney Baldwin, Knoxville, Tenn., special grandsons, Benjamin and Daniel Summers, Lexington, S.C.; greatgrandchildren, Alexander and Victoria Marie Hager and David Nathan Hager, Jr. (who was born on Morris’ 87th birthday), all of La Vegas. Morris is also survived by all the young people who grew up with his own children. All were always welcome and very special to him and Marie.
Morris graduated from Kennett Consolidated High School in Kennett Square, Pa. and attended Virginia Polytechnical Institute, Blacksburg, Va. He came to Radford, Va., to work at the Radford Arsenal, where he met and married Marie Moore on August 7, 1942.
Morris enlisted in the United States Army Air Force on October 2, 1942, as an Aviation Cadet. He received excellence ratings for efficiency and character in the Air Force Flying School and Pratt-Whitney Engine School. He earned his pilot’s wings and was promoted to 1st Lieutenant at Stuttgart Army Air Force Base, Stuttgart, Arkansas. He was assigned to the 93rd Bomber Squadron from Pratt, Kansas, as a B52 Bomber Pilot. Morris received an honorable discharge on January 7, 1946 at Andrews Air Force Base, Washington, D.C. He was also decorated with the World War II Victory medal and the American Theatre Ribbon.
Morris and Marie returned to Radford in March, 1946. They built, owned and operated the House of Flowers on Grove Avenue for many years. They also operated Baldwin Construction Company, where Morris designed, created and built projects all throughout the New River Valley. His last project was completed at the age of 81.
Morris was born of the Quaker faith but became a longtime member of Tyler Presbyterian Church, Snowville Christian Church and Dublin Baptist Church. He was strong in his faith and in his love of family.
At Morris’ request, he was cremated and reunited with his beloved Marie. There will be a private family celebration of his life at a later date. If you wish to make a memorial donation in Morris’ name, please send it to Mt. View Untied Methodist Church Picnic Shelter Fund, Wilderness Road, Dublin Va., 24084.