Larry Baldwin

LARRY A. BALDWIN, 83, of Chester, Illinois, passed away at 5:56 am, Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Three Springs Senior Living & Rehabilitation, Chester, Illinois.

He was born to the late Claude and Dorothy (nee Henley) Baldwin on December 21, 1942, in Brookport, Illinois.

Larry married Janet Yingst on September 10, 1966, at Holy Angels Church, East St. Louis, Illinois; she survives.

Larry received his master’s degree from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, additionally serving as President, Theta Xi fraternity (Beta Delta Chapter) 1963-1964, 1964-1965, Co-Chair Theta Xi Variety Show, Co-Chair Greek Week, New Student Week Leader, and Inter-fraternity Council (IFC), Sphinx Club Membership 1965.

A devoted educator for 33 years, Larry spent 32 years teaching sixth-grade Language Arts at Chester Grade School from 1968 until his retirement in May 2000. He founded the impactful "WIN" (Writing Is Necessary) program, oversaw the publication of Children of the Flood following the 1993 flood, authored and self-published Corn-Fed, led the Beta Club, and chaired the annual Hoop Shoot contest. His enduring influence on generations of students and the community was honored with his induction into the 2026 Chester School District Hall of Fame. Outside of school, Larry loved watching movies, dining out, and staying active through golf, fishing, and swimming. He was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and SIU Salukis, but his favorite place was on the sidelines. He and Janet spent decades traveling countless miles to cheer on their twin daughters and grandchildren, living by the philosophy that showing up was the truest way to love your family. Larry was a member of First United Methodist Church, Chester, Illinois.

Survivors:

   Wife: 

        Janet Baldwin Chester, IL

   2 Daughters: 

        Joanna (Wade) Tudor Chester, IL

         Jennifer (Kevin) Cartwright Chester, IL

   5 Step-Siblings: 

        Connie (Ron) Potts, Melinda (Daniel) Holtzclaw, Lena (Robert) Mayer, Roger (LaDonna) Ralph, and Tom Lloyd

   Sister-in-law: 

        Shirley Malone

   3 Grandchildren: 

        Ethan, Jessie, and Jason Stumpe

   5 Step Grandchildren: 

        Katelyn Cartwright, Karly (Landon) Durbin, Taylor Cartwright, Hayden Cartwright, and Devon (Skylar) Tudor

   4 Step Great Grandchildren: 

        Brynee, Case and Dylan Durbin, and Jade Tudor

   Nieces & Nephews: 

        Ladd (Yvette) Baldwin, Jody (Dave) Durham, Kyle Baldwin (Michael Dickson), Chad Baldwin, Marica (John) Alford, Maggie Malone, Rob (Karen) Malone, Marty Malone, Steve (April) McCoskey, Karen Boisnard, Mike McCoskey, Tori Kalicki and Kevin Karney, Kim Shay, Kreg (Sherri)Yingst, Jeanne (Dick) Buhrman, and Jim (King) Yingst

   Several Cousins and Many Friends

Preceded in Death by: Parents, 1 Brother – Richard (Emma Jean) Baldwin, 1 Step-Sister - Judy Lloyd, Siblings-in-law - Mel Malone, Jim and Margie Yingst, Dale and Joan Yingst, Woodrow and Carol Sue McCoskey, Bill and Pat Kalicki, Cole Kalicki, Mike Yingst, Dave Durham, and Darla Malone

Memorial Service: 

   2:00 pm, Sunday, September 13, 2026

   Pechacek Funeral Homes, Chester, Illinois

Officiating: 

   Rev. Joe Scheets

   Pastor Betty Gengler

Visitation: 

   Sunday – 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

   Pechacek Funeral Homes, Chester, Illinois

Memorials: 

   United Methodist Men

   Chester High School Athletics