Thomas L. Baldwin

August 20, 1945 – October 25, 2024

A Celebration of Tom’s life will be held on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the Paw Paw Eagles, 63237 M-40, Lawton. Tom will be laid to rest at Ft. Custer National Cemetery, 15501 Dickman Rd. Augusta, with full military honors on Friday, November 8, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. Those wishing to attend the graveside service should meet in the assembly area of the cemetery at 12:45 p.m. All are welcome. Memorial contributions may be given to Disabled American Veterans, in c/o the funeral home.

Obituary

Age 79 of Lawton, passed away on Friday night, October 25, 2024. Tom was born in Kalamazoo on August 20, 1945, the son of Marvin and Anna Elizabeth (Blaauw) Baldwin. On May 8, 1997, he married Peggy Burson who survives him. Tom proudly served his nation in Viet Nam as part of the United States Army. Tom and Peggy lived in their dream home which he helped build. For many years, Tom sold cars, but then he learned the art of upholstery from Butch Stap and he built a career from there. He and Peggy started PJ’s Upholstery and did all the upholstery work for Formula K GoCarts. A great deal of their work went around the world, some to celebrity homes and residences. They also served many local people, all of whom became like friends to them. Tom was one of the most giving people and would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. He was often at Main Street in Mattawan playing Keno, Five Bucks, Five Bucks, Five Bucks! He liked getting people to play Keno with him. He never won, but always had a great time playing. Besides his wife, Tom is survived by their children, Lori (Jeffrey) Bassett of Plainwell, Tammy Balaouras of Kalamazoo, Shelly (Bradley) Plunkett of Lawton, and Angela (Mike) Johnson of Paw Paw; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren; sister, Pat Connor; several nieces, nephews, cousins; and countless friends. Tom was preceded in death by his parents; son, Thomas John Baldwin; brother, Dale Baldwin.

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Mr. Kim "Mac" MacKellar
1 year ago

Family & friends: Having worked with Tom for a long time at the local Chevy dealer I got to know him well. AFter he moved on he re-uphostered a sofa for me and it looked BETTER than when new. I’m now in FL full time and sad to read of his passing. My sympathy to all who love and miss Tom. “MAC” from the used car lot and later The Kalamazoo Gazette.

Mr. Kim "Mac" MacKellar
1 year ago

Family & friends: Having worked with Tom for a long time at the local Chevy dealer I got to know him well. AFter he moved on he re-uphostered a sofa for me and it looked BETTER than when new. I’m now in FL full time and sad to read of his passing. My sympathy to all who love and miss Tom. “MAC” from the used car lot and later The Kalamazoo Gazette.

Mr. Kim "Mac" MacKellar
1 year ago

Family & friends: Having worked with Tom for a long time at the local Chevy dealer I got to know him well. AFter he moved on he re-uphostered a sofa for me and it looked BETTER than when new. I’m now in FL full time and sad to read of his passing. My sympathy to all who love and miss Tom. “MAC” from the used car lot and later The Kalamazoo Gazette.

Ken and Yvonne King
1 year ago

Uncle Tom, I will always love you and miss you, thanks for being there so many times in my life, I don’t know what we’ll do without you but somehow we’ll get by. Until we meet again keep playing those $5 tabs in heaven.