WJ Frank Baldwin, 97, of Oklahoma City, passed away on Tuesday, November 28, 2023. He was born in Dewey, OK into a large family that came from the Tupelo, MS/Wister, OK side of the Baldwin Family Tree. As the son of a pastor, Frank lived in various towns throughout his childhood including Bartlesville, OK and Kilgore, TX. He signed up for the Navy at age 17 to serve in WWII and worked aboard the USS Missouri Battleship in communications.

After the war, Frank graduated from Southern Nazarene University (Peniel Nazarene College), married his wife Audie, started his family and spent his entire career with Conoco. He lived in various places including Ponca City, Ft. Worth and Houston and retired from Conoco after 32 years to Bella Vista, AR. He was a faithful and beloved member of the many Nazarene Churches he attended throughout his lifetime including Warr Acres, OK, Spring Branch in Houston, TX, Rogers, AR and Piedmont, OK and received a special service award at Rogers Church of the Nazarene in Arkansas. To celebrate his 70th birthday, WJ Frank Baldwin was gifted by granddaughter Sumer Curry who arranged for Gov. Fallin to declare April 17th "Frank Baldwin Day" for his life of character, steadfastness and love. He enjoyed golf and gardening (especially tomatoes and okra). He encouraged and prayed for his family and spent daily devotional time with his Lord, Savior and Friend Jesus Christ.

Frank was preceded in death by his wife of almost 70 years, Audie Lynn Baldwin; eldest son, Dwight Baldwin; and youngest son, Jerald Baldwin. He is survived by his outstanding daughters-in-law, Delynda Baldwin and Diane Baldwin; grandchildren, Matt Baldwin, Kirk Baldwin, Justin Baldwin, Betsy (Baldwin) Fischborn, Emily (Baldwin) Wiley, Sumer Curry, Jason Wood, and Sundi Wood; 17 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Frank had a running competition with his beloved older sister Maxine (Baldwin) Walkup of Bethany, OK as to who would live longest…Congrats Papa, you beat her by 1 year! We are certain he is experiencing a large and well-deserved welcome home party. "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation." (Psalm 91:14-16)

Memorial services were held on January 20 in Edmond, OK.