David Gladding Baldwin, 79, of Traverse City, died Sunday, October 22, 2023. David was born on October 14, 1944, in Belmont, Massachusetts, to Stephen and Eunice Baldwin. He was preceded in death by: both his parents and two sisters, Betty and Barbara; and nephew, Brian Ellis.
He married his first (and only) wife, Phyllis J. Baldwin, on January 25, 1969, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He leaves behind his wife of 54 years, a niece, Marcia Mullins, and the loving and beloved family of Phillip and Helen Jane Wise: Marcia and John Stokes, Cary and Diane Stokes, Christopher and Amy Stokes, Kathleen and John Karber, Annette and John Dolza, Tracy Nuttel, Terri Bailey, and Nick Ellis. Great nieces and nephews: Rachel Hung, Bryan Stokes, Mel Stokes, Calder Stokes, Adia Stokes, Garrett Mason, Kara Blankenship, Annie Mason, Cody Bailey, Loren Solimano, Ben and Henry Ellis. Best friends: Dennis and Jeannie Powers of Ann Arbor, Myrn and Ed Wrona of Holland, and Tom & Kathy Stocklen of North Carolina.
David was a man of deep faith, a devoted husband, and was known for his laugh, wit, and sense of humor. He graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1967 with a B.S. degree in history. He attended graduate school at the University of Michigan and then obtained a J.D. degree from Wayne State University. He practiced law in Detroit and Ann Arbor for several years. In 1994 David and Phyllis bought and renovated a turn of the century home into a Bed & Breakfast Inn, The Arcadia House. Those Arcadia days were happy and fun! They sold the business and moved to Traverse City in 2003.
While in Arcadia, David was an active member of the Lions Club. He chaired the Township Committee to acquire the Arcadia beachfront by a grant from the Grand Traverse Land Conservancy. While in Ann Arbor, he served as President of the Children’s Leukemia Foundation, was an active member of St. Thomas Church, and served on the St. Thomas High School Board of Education. After moving to Traverse City, he became an active member of Immaculate Conception Parish and served as lector, eucharistic minister, and Bible Study table leader. He was the inspiring and beloved leader of the Bay Ridge West’s Interfaith Bible Study Group. They will miss his Biblical insight and Bible Trivia sessions.
David, go in Peace to be with your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We love you and will keep memories of you close in our hearts!
Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Traverse City Chapel is in charge of arrangements. beaconfh.com