Vernie Baldwin

Vernie W. Baldwin, of Coffeyville, Kansas, died Saturday, November 22, 2008 at Coffeyville Regional Medical Center. He was 98. Vernie was born January 21, 1910 near Worland, Missouri to Lon and Lura Leona Franklin Baldwin. He attended Red Top School through the eighth grade. He was a 1927 graduate of Pleasanton, Kansas High School. He worked at farming with his father for a time, then operated a filling station for a couple of years before moving to Wichita. There Vernie attended Swallow Airplane Mechanic School. Vernie married Marie Roberts on Easter Sunday, 1942 in Wichitas First Baptist Church. In 1943, he was drafted in the Army Air Corps Air Transport Command. Vernie spent 14 months in Assam, India and received his honorary discharge in November, 1945. Upon completion of his military service, Vernie and Marie moved to Coffeyville, where he worked 25 years as a lab technician for Sherwin-Williams. He retired in 1976. Vernie was a member of the American Legion since 1946 and was appointed adjutant in 1968. A position he held for more than 30 consecutive years. He had also acted as finance officer for the group. Vernie served as adjutant for the 3rd District, was a member of the VFW Post 1022 and served 15 years as advisor at Boys State. Vernie and his wife were members of the Keystone Lodge with each being past president. He was also a member of Coffeyvilles First United Methodist Church. Survivors included Mike Baldwin and his wife, Debra of Coffeyville; one grandson, Austin Matthew Baldwin of Coffeyville and four step-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; by his wife, Marie, on March 20, 1998; by two sisters, Lois Jane Smith and Fern Price and by an infant brother. Funeral services for Vernie Baldwin will be 10a.m., Wednesday, November 26, 2008 at Coffeyvilles First United Methodist Church with Rev. John Collins, officiating. Interment will follow in Coffeyvilles Fairview Cemetery, under the direction of Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel. Friends may call on Tuesday, November 25, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. to sign the guest register. The family will greet friends from 7:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.