Darwin Rex Baldridge died Jan. 17, 2025, in Dubuque, Iowa, surrounded by his three loving sons and by his loving family of choice. He was 91.
Darwin was born on May 6, 1933, in Ottumwa, Iowa, to Carroll Baldridge and Zetta Blew.
He spent his earliest years in Ottumwa, including a lengthy stay at the Sunnyslope sanitorium, where his mother Zetta died of tuberculosis when Darwin was only 3 years old. It was then that Darwin learned to sing. Darwin’s songs brightened his days and the spirits of those around him.
After this Darwin was often in the gentle care of his wonderful sister, Evelyn. Darwin and his family moved to Waterloo, where he sang, immersed himself in the jazz sounds of the day and proudly graduated from Waterloo East High School in 1951.
After high school Darwin’s odyssey lead him to join up with the Vance Dixon Band, with whom he travelled, performed and experienced all aspects of the jazz life.
Darwin’s road led him to Fayette, Iowa, where he earned a bachelor’s degree from Upper Iowa University.
After college Darwin continued his journey through many jobs, community theater plays, two marriages and several towns in Iowa. While living in Marion and Cedar Rapids, Darwin married Barbara Paul and became father to a son, John.
After his marriage to Barbara, he met and married Sandra (Sandy) Koutnik and became dad to James (Jim). Darwin and family then ventured to Woodward and Perry, where Darwin became father to Joseph (Joe). Darwin, Sandy, Jim and Joe’s adventures carried on in Decorah until Darwin and Sandy divorced.
Darwin’s odyssey then transported him to Dubuque, with a wonderful stop on a farm outside Elkport, Iowa. It was in Dubuque and on the farm near Elkport where Darwin developed his loving family of choice. In Dubuque, Barbara Heitz became Darwin’s best friend. She and her husband, Mike, shared many parts of their lives with Darwin, and they cared for him until he died.
Darwin made great friends in Dubuque and Elkport, including Mark Hafeman and Gene Amling.
Darwin sang with, and touched the lives of many in the Dubuque and Elkport areas.
Darwin was preceded in death by his parents, Carroll and Zetta; sisters, Maxine, Bonnie and Evelyn; and brother, Carroll.
Darwin is survived by his sons Joe, Jim and John; grandsons, Steven, John, Andrew and Matthew; and nieces and nephews, Bruce, Dayle, Sandra, Lisa and Brad.
Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory of Dubuque graciously assisted with arrangements. A joyous celebration of Darwin’s life will take place on the farm near Elkport in the summer of 2025.
Darwin’s soul sang. And when his body failed, he sang still. In fact, he scatted to the finish line.
