Thomas Paul Baldwin

On Sunday, October 15th, 2023, Thomas Paul Baldwin was surrounded by the love of family and friends as he returned to heaven to be surrounded by loved ones there. His dad was undoubtedly first in line to hug him and welcome him home.

Tom was born December 8, 1977 to Melvin and Beverly Baldwin in Fullerton, California. The family soon moved to Logan, Utah, where he grew up as the second of five siblings. He had a lively childhood, breaking many bones while jumping on the trampoline with his brothers and riding/crashing on his bike. He was the peacemaker of the family, a trait that stayed with him. He played the cello, guitar, and bass guitar and excelled in working with the stage crew for plays and musicals. He loved to make people laugh. He will be remembered most for his jokes and teasing, just like his dad.

Tom was a curious child who wanted to know how everything worked. He learned by taking things apart and putting them back together, sometimes correctly and sometimes not. By the time he was an adult, he could fix almost anything. When his kids broke a toy, they would put it on dad’s desk and he found a way to repair it. He spent ridiculous amounts of time fixing dollar store toys with electronic parts. He enjoyed the challenge.

After graduating from Logan High, Tom served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Jacksonville, Florida for two years. He loved serving the Lord. When he completed his mission, he continued serving in many different capacities, but he didn’t wait to be asked. He looked and found ways to help those around him. In the winter, Tom could be found snowblowing driveways and gutters up and down the street. In summer, he would edge all the nearby lawns.

Tom met Shian when he installed a new phone system at the office where she worked. It didn’t take long for them to fall in love and know they were a good match. They were married in the Jordan River Temple on February 15th, 2007, making Tom a new husband and an instant dad. Their family was complete after adding four more children. While life was busy with so many little ones running around, Tom took the time and found great joy in playing with them. They will miss Tickle Tackle Time before bed, Daddy ‘tatoes, and learning to tinker. They are holding on to the promise that families can be together forever.

As a self-proclaimed nerd, Tom was interested in all kinds of technology. He could engineer something using just a few spare parts, fix a computer problem with his eyes closed, or fabricate anything with his 3D printer. His special interest was with phone systems. He worked for Cache Communications for many years setting up and maintaining phone systems for businesses all over the valley. For the past twelve years, he worked for the Utah Education Network (UEN) specializing in video conferencing. Tom found great joy through his job and loved his coworkers who were more like family to him.

Tom made friends everywhere he went. If you knew Tom, you loved him. He will be remembered for his sense of humor and gentleness, his loyalty and willingness to help, especially with technology. He will be greatly missed by so many. While he didn’t have the opportunity to grow old, his life was filled to the brim with goodness, family, and love.

The family would like to thank Huntsman Cancer Institute and the CNS hospice team for their compassionate care during the last few months when life turned upside down.

Tom is survived by his wife and five children; his mother; four siblings and their families; and his family-in-law. He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents.

A viewing will be held Sunday, October 22 from 5:00-8:00 PM. Funeral services will be Monday, October 23 at 11:00 with a viewing prior to the service from 9:30-10:30. All services will be at the Smithfield 22nd ward meetinghouse located at 640 North 200 East in Smithfield.