Marlin K. Baldwin

Marlin Keith Baldwin, 81, of Sioux City passed away Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013, at home, with his beloved wife of 61 years, Bev, and their two daughters by his side.
A celebration of life with reception following will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Grace United Methodist Church, 1735 Morningside Ave., Sioux City. A private family burial will be in Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Morningside Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Home, 1801 Morningside Ave. Online condolences for the family may be made at www.christysmith.com .
The youngest of four boys, Marlin was born on a farm east of Akron, Iowa, on July 22, 1932, to Lloyd and Marie (Heeren) Baldwin. He graduated from Liberty High School (rural Merrill) in 1950.
He was united in marriage on Nov. 8, 1952, to the love of his life, Bev Hammond, and was drafted into the U.S. Army in April of 1953, during the Korean conflict. His career successes included multiple years in the purchasing department at IBP and the sales department at Stone Container. He retired at age 56 and traveled extensively with his wife. They spent the past 15 years together as Florida residents.
He was an avid woodworker, loved to fish, and enjoyed spending time with family.
Marlin is survived by his loving wife, Bev; two daughters, Debi Van Meter and Carla Benton and her husband, Bob; and his greatest joy, four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, Brian Benton and wife, Alisa, and their children, Dylan, Madeline and Sophia; Kristin (Benton) McKinney and husband, Eric, and their two children, Layla and Piper; Brett Van Meter and wife, Tara and their three children, Drake, Braxton and Kate; and Wade Van Meter and Allison Polley.
He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in the name of Marlin Baldwin to the Council on Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence or The Gospel Mission.