Rev. Robert L. Baldwin went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 30, 2026.  Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, pastor, veteran, and friend, Robert leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, kindness, and devotion to family.

Born on August 10, 1940 to Donald and Alice Baldwin, Robert grew up with a strong work ethic and a desire to serve others. He graduated from Bradford High School, where he studied machine shop, developing skills that would serve him throughout his life.

From 1959 to 1961, Robert proudly served his community as a volunteer firefighter with the Rew Fire Company. Following this commitment to public service, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving honorably from 1961 to 1964. During his military service, he was stationed in Korea. He attended machine school, further expanding his technical expertise.

After returning home, Robert’s life took a wonderful turn when he met the love of his life, Sandra K. Field, at a square dance. Their chance meeting blossomed into a lifelong romance, and they were united in marriage on July 17, 1965. Together they shared 60 years of love, partnership, faith, and cherished memories. Some of Robert’s happiest moments were the simple joys he shared with Sandra. They enjoyed taking riverboat dinner cruises together, creating treasured memories along the water. Robert loved treating Sandra to ice cream, and the two could often be found walking hand in hand, enjoying each other’s company and the beauty of life’s everyday moments. Their marriage was a wonderful example of enduring love, devotion, and friendship.

Robert also found great satisfaction in working with his hands and spending time outdoors. He enjoyed growing both vegetable and flower gardens, taking pride in the harvests he produced and the beauty he cultivated around his home. Whether tending his gardens, repairing machinery, or helping someone in need, Robert found joy in hard work and in sharing the fruits of his labor with others.

Throughout his career, Robert was a real “jack of all trades.” He worked for Jarrett Machine Company, Clark Brothers, and Bovaird Company in Bradford using his mechanical knowledge and strong work ethic earned the respect of coworkers and friends alike. Robert had a remarkable ability to repair, build, and troubleshoot nearly anything, and he was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. After the passing of his father, Robert faithfully assisted his mother by repairing oil field engines in the family garage during the evenings. This experience inspired him to open his own engine repair business, which he operated for six years.Later, he dedicated ten years of service to Charles Cole Memorial Hospital in the Maintenance Department before retiring in 2012. Whether through his profession, his business, or helping neighbors and family, Robert found great joy in using his talents to improve the lives of others which he passed on to his children.

A man deeply committed to his Christian faith, Robert continued his educational journey later in life. In 2014, he graduated from Southwest Bible College and Seminary with a Master of Arts in Theology, a testament to his lifelong pursuit of biblical knowledge, spiritual growth, and a deeper understanding of God’s Word.

Robert’s faith was the foundation of his life and guided his service to others. Rev. Robert L. Baldwin was a dedicated member of the Association of Evangelical Churches and faithfully served in pastoral ministry for many years. He pastored both Wrights Community Church and Lafayette Evangelical Church, providing spiritual leadership, compassionate counsel, and a steadfast commitment to sharing God’s Word. Through his ministry, he touched the lives of countless individuals and families, leaving a lasting impact on the communities he served. After many years of faithful service, Robert retired from pastoral ministry in 2022 to devote himself to caring for his beloved wife, Sandra, as her health declined. They were welcomed and found a new church family at Coryville Church of Faith where Rev. Baldwin was also provided the opportunity to “fill in” as needed.

Even after retiring from pastoral ministry, Robert continued to faithfully serve others through his gift of pastoral care. He spent countless hours visiting individuals in their homes and nursing homes, offering encouragement, prayer, and spiritual support to those facing physical, emotional, and personal challenges. His compassionate heart and genuine concern for others made a lasting difference in the lives of many.  This included his passion to write, completing and publishing a devotional titled Morning Quick Starts with God, a work that reflected his lifelong faith, love of Scripture, and desire to encourage others in their daily walk with the Lord. Throughout the years, Robert had the privilege of leading numerous people to a personal faith in Jesus Christ, a calling that remained close to his heart throughout his life. 

He is survived by his four children: Pamela (Fredrick) Taggart of Strasburg, PA, Roseanne (Richard) Bristow, of Erie, PA Charles (Tanya) Baldwin of Elizabethtown, PA and William (Misty) Baldwin of Smethport, PA, His sister, Patricia (Lloyd) Burkhouse of Bradford, PA and his brother, Clark (Jane) Baldwin of Vestal, NY

He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: Derrick (Lindsay) Wright; Shelby (Ruben) Redmond; Tyler Baldwin (Paige Vogel); Samantha Bristow; Sutton Taggart; and Evan Taggart; as well as his treasured great-grandsons Carter Redmond and Grayson Hannah 

In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Sandra K. Baldwin; his brother, James Baldwin; and his sisters, Joy Singer and Katherine Whitman

Robert’s greatest joy was his family, and he treasured the time spent with each generation. His legacy of faith, service, hard work, and love will continue to live on through those who knew and loved him.  Though he will be deeply missed by his family and friends, they find comfort in knowing that Robert has gone home to be with Jesus and has been reunited with his beloved wife, Sandra, in eternal peace. 

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 from 6-8 PM at Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., 2 Bank St., Smethport and again Saturday, Oct. 3, from 10-11 AM at the Coryville Church of Faith, Moody Hollow, Eldred. Funeral services will begin at 11AM in the church after visitation, with the Rev. Allen Young and Pastor Karmon Wood officiating. Private family burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Smethport. Military Honors will be accorded by the Smethport Area Honor Guard.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.