Phil was born on December 28, 1942, in Decatur, Illinois, the son of John P. and Ruth (Little) Baldwin. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Patricia Ann Baldwin. He married Etsu "Jean" Yonaiyama in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 1968.
Surviving are his three children, John (Sonya) Baldwin of Lewistown, Kathy (Marc) Churchill of Canton, and Susan (Ben Miles) Baldwin of Canton; his sister, Carol Sue "Susie" Liuzzi of Sherman Oaks, California; his brother, John E. Baldwin of Pomona, California; seven grandchildren, Tyson (Isabella Kosier) Brown, Darian (Mark) Herr, Cloe (Noah) Kesselmayer, Gage (Kelsie Fletcher) Miller, Carmyn Baldwin, Jackson Churchill, and Drake Miller; and three great-grandchildren, Emmett Miller, Archer Brown, and Kase Kesselmayer.
Phil graduated from Douglas MacArthur High School in 1960. A talented blacksmith and fabricator, he was known for his creativity, craftsmanship, and ability to build or repair nearly anything. Throughout his life, he was actively involved in numerous organizations, including the Jaycees, the American Welding Society, the Fulton County Fair Board, and the Lewistown Historical Society.
Phil enjoyed fishing the Spoon River, working on Volkswagens, and spending countless hours tinkering in his shop. His love of craftsmanship and history led him to become a dedicated supporter of the Lewistown Society for Historic Preservation, with a particular passion for the Rasmussen Blacksmith Shop. He played an important role in its continued operation by helping recruit and mentor individuals who shared his commitment to preserving its legacy. While he also supported the Rasmussen Museum and Narrow Gauge Railroad Depot, the Blacksmith Shop was where he most enjoyed sharing his talents and knowledge. Above all, Phil cherished time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Family gatherings brought him his greatest happiness, and the love he had for his family will be remembered by all who knew him.
Cremation rites have been accorded. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 12, at Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Lewistown. A gathering to honor and remember Phil will be held immediately following the visitation at the Lewistown VFW.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lewistown Society for Historic Preservation in his honor.
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