Robert Eugene Baldwin

Robert Eugene Baldwin, affectionately known to all as Bob, embarked on his final adventure on February 5, 2024. Born under the wide-open skies of Topeka, KS, on April 18, 1951, Bob's life was an epic tale of laughter, love, and the occasional wrench thrown in for good measure. He was a man who could fix a car with his eyes closed and a heart so big it could jump-start a dead battery with a single beat.

Bob's early years in Topeka were filled with the kind of mischievous shenanigans that would later become treasured family lore. After a year of honing his mechanical wizardry at an auto mechanic trade school, Bob answered the call of duty and became an Army veteran, serving his country with the same dedication he would later reserve for his motorcycle's upkeep.

Bob's passion for life was rivalled only by his love for his family. Preceded in death by his parents, Rudy Lemert (Archie Lemert) and George Baldwin (Dee Baldwin) he leaves behind a legacy of laughter and love in the form of his beloved wife Judy, his six children—Laura (Stephen) & their 3 children, Tammy (Mike) & their 5 children, April (Chris) & their 3 children, Robert (Brenda) & their 3 children, Angie (Cory) & their 2 children, and Dustin & his 2 children —and a posse of ten great-grandchildren who were the apples of his twinkling eyes. He is also survived by his 2 sisters -Gwen and Sharon (Tom), and 2 brothers - Vance and Bruce (Lisa).

A true jack-of-all-trades, Bob could often be found in his garage, surrounded by the aroma of oil and the sounds of classic rock, crafting motorcycles that were as much a work of art as they were a mode of transportation. His hands, forever stained with grease, were equally adept at building the family's beloved hot rods, as they were at cradling his grandbabies, whom he spoiled without a hint of remorse.

Bob was an outdoorsman who found solace in the mountains and a thrill on the open road. He was the kind of guy who'd rather be covered in grease from building a motorcycle or dust from the trail than sitting still. His kids and grandbabies knew that a visit to grandpa's house meant a wild ride, a hearty laugh, and the chance to be spoiled rotten.

Music flowed through Bob's veins as he played guitar and jammed with bands, sharing his love for a good tune with anyone within earshot. His melodies were like his laughter: infectious and impossible to ignore. Bob's sense of humor was as legendary as his ability to repair what was broken. He was the handyman of hearts, patching up sad moments with a joke and a smile.

To say Bob was funny is an understatement; he was a one-man comedy show who could find the humor in any situation. Adventurous? Absolutely. Bob was the guy who would say "Let's go!" before anyone even told him where. Handy doesn't quite cover it either; he could MacGyver a solution to any problem with nothing but a paperclip and some duct tape.

Bob Baldwin's final curtain call may have come, but the show of his life will continue to play in the memories of those who loved him. To the man who could fix anything but a broken heart, we say, "Ride on, Bob, to that great mountain trail in the sky." Your spirit, like your laughter, will never be silenced.

As the engines rev and the angels chuckle at your arrival, we, the ones you've left behind, will carry on your legacy of love, laughter, and the occasional well-timed practical joke. Here's to you, Dad - a life beautifully lived and a soul eternally cherished.

A memorial service will be held beginning at 2:00 PM Saturday, February 10, 2024, at the South Knowllwood Baptist Church, 1813 SW 29th Street, Topeka, KS 66611.  Please dress in your favorite Harley shirt and/or casual attire.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial donations be made in Bob's memory to Alzheimer's and Dementia Reseach at www.alz.org.