Kenneth Baldwin

Kenneth Duane Baldwin of Lindon, Utah died on Wednesday, 28 January 2026. He was born to Roland Tyler Baldwin and Elva Viola Edith Kiholm Baldwin on 08 February 1932 on the Camas prairie of Idaho in the community of Fairfield. He was the middle child among his siblings of Roland 'Bud' Baldwin, Doris Viola Arrington, Richard 'Dick" Baldwin, Robert 'Bob' Baldwin, Carma Joyce Carlson, and Darlene Clark. Darlene survives. He was married and sealed to Helen Louise Carlson on 08 December 1953 in the Idaho Falls temple. His bride led the return journey through the veil on 06 February 2024. Together, they were parents to Katherine (Ronald) Anderson, Duane (Lisa) Baldwin, Mariane (Toby) O'Bryant, and Lorraine (Anthony) George, all surviving. Ken was blessed with a rich posterity of 19 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two of those grandchildren, Melissa Susan Anderson and Jeremy Byron George. Ken was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in many callings including Bishop, a Counselor in the Stake Presidency, twice Branch President, High Counselor, Temple Worker, and many, many others.

He was raised principally in Idaho, with some time in Washington state. As a youth, he engaged in a variety of skill developing jobs including lumberjack, gandy dancer, farm hand, and projectionist at the movie house. He also regarded himself as the 'mix-master' for his mother. He earned the Ace Airman, the highest rank (equivalent to Eagle) within the Air Scout division of the Boy Scouts of America. Always a critical thinker and scholar, he excelled in academics. All of those rich experiences combined with his family associations of siblings and parents laid the foundation for his adult years, and thus provided respect, compassion and an appreciation of what was required to accomplish a task and understand people. After a year of schooling at Ricks College, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. It was during his basic training that he met Helen but soon shipped to Korea to serve in the Conflict. When he returned to the States, and immediately after disembarking the troop carrier, he recognized, to his surprise, a sole civilian welcoming party. That party consisted of his parents and his sweetheart. He literally broke ranks to embrace Helen. His companion Marines, witnessing the event, joined in his celebration with a jubilant cheer.

In short order, Ken then began a very adventurous trip to Idaho Falls to be wed in the temple including family visits, interviews and preparations, all accomplished by sheer faith and determination. One week later Ken and Helen were sealed for time and all eternity, a covenant he reveres sacred and continues to recognize for over 70 years in mortality and beyond.

Ken and Helen returned to California, where Ken continued his Marine service as a reservist until October of 1959. He also enrolled at the University of California Berkeley to continue his education where he ultimately earned a BS in Chemical Engineering. It was during this chapter that the first two of his children were born, Kathy and then Duane. Upon graduation he was employed at Standard Oil and the family moved to Pinole, California. Soon after came two more children, Mariane and then Lorraine. Other employment was considered, and by inspiration the family was moved to New Orleans in February of 1964.

While in New Orleans, he continued his employment with Standard Oil. Simultaneously, he grew within the Church serving in many capacities including Bishop and a Counselor in the Stake Presidency. It was also during this time that he perfected a family recipe of fudge, such as a chemical engineer would, and created the famous tradition of fudge making. The fudge was originally made as a fundraiser for the Church's building fund and sold as 'fudge bricks'. The enjoyable reward during production of batches was a ladle of his hot fudge on a dish of ice cream. He has treated family and fortunate friends in such manner.

Again, by inspiration the family was moved to the Ohio in 1972 where Ken was employed by Goodyear Atomic at the DOE Uranium Enrichment Facility in Pike County. During his employment at the enrichment facility, he functioned in roles of engineering, safety, security, and fire protection. His earlier life experiences provided the disciplines necessary to provide valued insight in those jobs. He was much needed in Ohio for his gospel knowledge and Church experience and served again in many callings including two stints as Branch President in two separate communities all the while living at the same address. Also, while in Ohio he served as a foster parent to several daughters.

In July 1997, he retired to American Fork, Utah. He had built a home shortly before with Helen moving there early to prepare the home and integrate into the community. He proudly served on the American Fork Planning Commission, again applying his professional disciplines. Additionally, he and his wife served in the Timpanogas Temple. And as his pattern was, he served the Church in many other ways including time at the Lindon Storehouse and working with Family Search.

Sometimes we are fortunate to have such a great influence of a person whose very hallmarks emphasize faith, family, and love of country. Kenneth Duane Baldwin is such a man. Each of us is blessed to associate with him. It is clear, that he has been called to further serve.

A visitation with family members will be hosted by Anderson and Sons Mortuary in American Fork on Thursday, 05 February 2026 from 6PM to 8PM. Additional visitation will be held on Friday 06 February 2026 at the American Fork Hillcrest 4th Ward meeting house (680N 350W) from 9:45AM to 10:45AM. The funeral conducted by Glenn Smith, a member of the Bishopric, will immediately follow at 11AM. The date marks the second anniversary of his wife's passing. Burial will follow in the American Fork Cemetery with military honors.

If you would like to join in Kenneth's service via live stream, please click the link below:

https://youtube.com/live/YFVeX4vDG5I