Clifford D. Baldwin, 76, of Delphi, died Friday, Oct. 9. 2009, at St. Vincent Seton Specialty Hospital in Lafayette. He had been in failing health since Aug. 11.

Born Nov. 29, 1932, in Carroll County, he was the son of the late Clifford and Grace M. Stoner Baldwin. He graduated from Delphi High School in 1951. His marriage was on Aug. 10, 1951, at his parent’s home in Ockley to Marilyn J. Shaffer, who survives.

Mr. Baldwin and his wife owned and operated Baldwin Automotive Supply in Delphi since 1962 and started B&B Auto Care Center in Delphi in 1980. In 1994 he and his family built the Auto Express Car Wash in Delphi.

Mr. Baldwin retired from day-to-day operations of the business in 2007 but was still in his office every day.

He served two years in the U.S. Navy and two years in the U.S. Marines at the conclusion of the Korean War.

He was a life member of the Delphi American Legion Post #75 and a past commander.

Mr. Baldwin belonged to the former Delphi Masonic Lodge and was a member of the Murat Shrine in Indianapolis, attaining his 32nd degree. He helped to organize the Shriner Circus field trip for the third-grade class at Delphi for many years. He was an active member of the Delphi Tri Township Volunteer Fire Department, serving for 45 years.

Mr. Baldwin dearly loved his wife, daughter and son-inlaw, sons and daughters-inlaw, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and all extended family.

He gave of himself freely to help those in need and was always there to lend a helping hand.

Mr. Baldwin enjoyed and took great pride in working at his store with his sons and son-in-law.

He always had something special to give the young people who loved to come in his store and see Cliff.

Surviving with his wife are two sons, Mike Baldwin (wife: Gail) of Lafayette and Matt Baldwin (wife: Tina) of Delphi; a daughter, Dorothy Hesler (husband: Tom) of Delphi; a half-brother, Leroy Matson (wife: Lois) of Flora; nine grandchildren; and two greatgrandchildren.

Preceding him in death was a daughter, Doris J. Morris, and a half-brother, Marvin.

Services were held Tuesday at Abbott Funeral Home in Delphi. Pastor Mark Dutton officiated. Burial followed at Masonic Cemetery in Delphi with military rites by Delphi and Camden American Legion and Delphi VFW.

Online condolences can be sent to abbottfuneralhome@verizon. net.