Minister David Baldwin

David Earl Baldwin, Jr. (55), minister, educator, traveler, musician and beloved son, brother, nephew, cousin and friend was born June 21, 1967 in Cleburne, Texas to David Baldwin, Sr. and Willie Mae Warner-Baldwin.

David Jr. attended Cleburne schools and graduated from Cleburne High School in 1985. He was involved in several activities including choir, athletics, and theatre arts. He attended the University of North Texas and Tarleton State University. It is at Tarleton State where he pledged and became a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, Sigma Epsilon Chapter. He graduated from Tarleton in 1993 with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Communications. He would later earn his Masters Degree in Education Leadership/Administration from Concordia University (Texas) in 2014.

David made a public affirmation to be a follower of Christ at the age of 11, responding to the Gospel message. He would be baptized in the Christian faith at 18 years of age. With a passion for music at an early age, he studied piano and begin actively playing in music ministry as a teenager. His love for worship and praise was evident in his music ministry, and later, preaching. He would travel from college most every weekend to fulfill his calling as a minister of music. He also led the Tarleton State Gospel Choir for several years; always desiring to serve and worship God in the spirit of excellence. His efforts were exemplified in his love and willingness to serve God with his heart.

David was loved by many and he made it his mission to tell others about the love of Christ. He accepted his calling to preach in 2017. David was a student at Dallas Bible Theological Institute. One of the many scriptures he cherished was Isaiah 43:18-19b “Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of the old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth.” He was compelled by God to minister to people who knew they were not perfect, but their previous setback was a set up for a new and abundant life fulfilled by serving God.

David worked several years in retail management; primarily Walmart Corporation. In 2006 he would begin his career with Crowley Independent School District. He was dedicated to educating and developing children, believing every student is a learner. This devotion to all students earned him the designation of Teacher of The Year for Crowley ISD in 2014, among several esteemed awards and recognition. As founder of Summer Creek Middle School ManUp!, a young men’s leadership group, developing young men into responsible leaders in academics, athletics and society, David was looking to support the boys in ways that they could learn to become more impactful on society and ensure their success as functioning members.

Whether it was the beach, ski slopes, or historic Europe, he loved to travel. He found himself captivated by the many different cultures and climates around the globe. In addition to music, he loved to cook. He enjoyed experimenting with recipes he saw on Facebook or shared among friends. He was a quiet Texas Rangers fan and a dedicated Dallas Cowboys Football fanatic.

David departed this earthly life on Wednesday, November 2, 2022. Preceding his heavenly transition are his paternal grandparents – Gil Baldwin and Novela Baldwin-Barnes, his maternal grandparents - Bervin Warner and Alma Paige Warner, his aunt Alice Fae “Nanny” Brooks, aunt Annie Fisher, aunt Emma Warner, his uncle Henry Sampson, and brother-in-law, Ambrose Adams II.

Forever cherishing his memory are his parents, Pastor David Baldwin, Sr. (Betty) and Mother Willie Baldwin, brother Dexter Baldwin, sister Neico Baldwin-Adams, step-sisters Bettina Fisher, Renee Gibbs (Charles), Erika Fisher-Smith, and step-brother Andrew Tony Fisher, godson Keyshawn Baldwin, several aunts and uncles, cousins and a multitude of friends, “play cousins,” fraternity brothers, beloved coworkers and colleagues.

In lieu of flowers and other memorials, please honor David’s memory with a contribution to the David Baldwin, Junior Memorial Scholarship. Donations may be mailed to 1301 Cindy Court, Cleburne, TX 76033.

The family will receive visitors at Kingdom Manifesters Church on Thursday, November 10 from 6–8 p.m. The church is located at 2401 McCurdy St. Fort Worth, TX 76104.
A celebration of David’s life will take place at Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church Friday, November 11 at 11 AM. The church is located at 317 N. Brazos St. Cleburne, TX 76031.

Pastor Dr. Robert Burrell, Jr. of Kingdom Manifesters Church, will deliver the eulogy. Rev. Dr. Mark Washington, Assistant Pastor of First Community Church, Grand Rapids, Michigan is the officiant.