Dustin Paul Baldwin, 39, passed away on April 13, 2024 while spending time with his friends in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. He was born on June 24, 1984 in Fort Campbell, Kentucky to Joe and Claudia (Follis) Baldwin.
A memorial service will be held at Sneed-Carnley Funeral Chapel Lampasas, 201 E. Third St, Lampasas, TX, 76550 on Thursday, April 25 at 11:30 am. Graveside services with honors will follow at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen at 2 pm. The family will be greeting friends and relatives at Buffalo Wild Wings in Killeen, Texas after the graveside service.
Dustin was a military child and spent time in many areas of the United States and abroad. He graduated from San Marcos Baptist Academy in San Marcos, Texas in 2002. After high school, he attended Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado. He joined the Army in 2005 and served 6 years as a Parachute Rigger at Fort Richardson, Alaska. He served in the Iraq War in 2006 and the Afghanistan War in 2009. He was the recipient of the Iraq Campaign Medal with two campaign stars, Army Commendation Medal with V device, Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Valorous Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Ribbon, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two campaign stars, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, and Parachute Rigger Badge. After his discharge from service in 2012, he stayed and worked in Alaska for the next 11 years. He moved to Kempner, Texas in 2023 where he lived until his passing.
Dustin enjoyed all sports. He played football, basketball and baseball at San Marcos Baptist Academy, received a scholarship to play football at Colorado School of Mines, and continued his "Love of the Game" through league softball in Anchorage, Alaska. Dustin also enjoyed all outdoor activities including golf, skiing and the occasional backyard bar-b-que and party. Dustin "Red" also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was a positive influence on many and lit up the room wherever he went. His joy, loyalty and love for others was unwavering.
Dustin is survived by his parents, Joe and Claudia Baldwin of Kempner, Texas; his brother, Tyler Baldwin of Austin, Texas; and his granddad JR Follis of O'Donnell, Texas. Dustin was preceded in death by his grandparents, Bob Baldwin and Marcella (Williams) Baldwin of Marshfield, Missouri; and Bea (Low) Follis of O'Donnell, Texas.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to The V Foundation for Cancer Research (www.v.org)
