Mr. Roy Dean Baldwin

Roy Dean "Squire" Baldwin of Kissimmee, Fla., once again embraced his beloved wife and daughter as heaven's doors opened and Jesus welcomed him home. "Squire" passed away at his home on Aug. 11, 2013.

Born in Baldwin, N.C. on May 18, 1928, he was the son of the late Alonzo Hicks and Carrie Goodman Baldwin of West Jefferson.

Preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Jane A. Baldwin, he was also preceded in death by brothers, Ron, Rad, Hugh, Edgar and Winston Baldwin; sisters, Doney Wilcox, Wilma Leahey, and Jessie Baldwin.

His beloved daughter, Cynthia Eve "Cindy" Yates of Winter Haven, Fla., also preceded him in death in December of 2011.

Squire grew up during the Great Depression. The pain from those years never left him, and he lived his life carefully stewarding everything he had earned. At 14 years old he went to work to help support his family of 11 siblings.

He held many jobs to help provide food for his family including shining shoes, delivering newspapers, carrying water and small carpentry jobs. In 1951 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served three years as Private First Class. In 1957 he and his family relocated to Kissimmee after he received a promotion at The Martin Marietta Defense Plant. He diligently worked as a coordinator in production control only missing a couple of days work in over 30 years.

Squire never met a stranger and could whip up a conversation with anyone, anytime, anywhere! Anyone who ever met him, never forgot him! His charm was unmatchable, and his charisma intoxicating! He had the gift of gab and could sell sawdust to a lumber mill. He loved to wheel and deal and barter and trade. Some of his favorite sayings included, "You'll never go broke making a profit." and "If you watch your pennies the dollars take care of themselves." He was a legend in old Kissimmee with a plethora of friends who proudly bestowed upon him the prestigious and well deserved title of "The Squire."

He was a lifetime member of the Elks and Moose Lodge in Kissimmee. He was an entrepreneur at heart. He founded and managed "Dean's Clean Used Cars and Larry's Standard Station and successfully ran them for many years. His Cadillac was of course a continual mobile pawn shop as well! Squire was tenacious and determined! He once said "You decide what you want to do in life, and don't stop until you get it!" He used his determination and tenacity as he endured 15 eye surgeries, MRSA, congestive heart failure, and a cornea transplant. He conquered them all!

He was extremely proud of his family especially his four grandchildren, and one great grandchild. As he neared the end of his life he continually confessed... "I am blessed."

Daddy, Pop Pop, "Squire" you will be deeply missed, but never forgotten!

He is survived by his daughter, Heather Johnston and, husband David of Kissimmee, Fla.; grandchildren, William Brian Yates, and wife, Samantha of Winter Haven, Fla., and Crystal Brooke Yates of Winter Haven, Fla., Jonathan Dean Johnston and Jenna Whitney Johnston of Kissimmee. Fla.; a great grandson William Carter Yates of Winter Haven, Fla.; son-in-law, Randy Yates of Winter Haven, Fla.; sister, Melba Jones of West Jefferson; brothers, Dale and wife, Ella Baldwin and Charles and wife, Swansie Baldwin of West Jefferson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to your favorite charity.

Graveside services will be in West Jefferson Cemetery, 1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 24, 2013.