Robert Charles (Bob) Baldridge completed his mortal journey on March 5, 2025. He leaves a legacy of kindness, integrity, service to others, a wonderful sense of humor and a love of travel.
Bob was born on January 30, 1934 in Rock Springs, Wyoming to Eugene Tyman (E.T.) Baldridge and Rachel Emma Justice. He was the youngest of five children. He spent all of his growing up years in Rock Springs. He was involved in sports, student government, and excelled academically at Rock Springs High School. He attended one semester of college at Pacific University in Oregon before his father passed away and he returned home to be with, and support, his mother.
Near the end of the Korean War, Bob and a high school friend enlisted in the U.S. Army. While at boot camp in California, the war ended. After having served for 2 years, Bob was honorably discharged. He and an Army buddy then purchased a car and spent almost a year traveling around the United States, Canada, and Mexico; camping out and exploring. Upon returning home to Wyoming, Bob enrolled in the University of Wyoming. It was during this time that Bob joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
While a student, he reconnected with a high school acquaintance, Sherie Williams. Soon thereafter, they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Logan Utah Temple in 1959. Before graduating, Bob and Sherie welcomed daughters – Rachelle and Lori, and sons – Mark, Scott and Steve. Bob graduated with an engineering degree and moved his family to Sacramento, California to work for the state. Here they welcomed their 6th child – Kendall.
Bob and Sherie enjoyed raising their kids while living in Sacramento, several locations in Los Angeles, and, in 1973, moved to San Luis Obispo, CA. They finished preparing their children for their futures there and both retired while still living there in 1997. Bob had worked 32 years for the State of California, with the majority being spent working for the California Water Quality Control Board. Shortly after retiring, he and Sherie set an amazing example for many, including their grandchildren, by volunteering to serve as missionaries for the LDS Church in Guatemala, Paraguay, and Tucson, AZ. Since all of their children had learned to speak Spanish by that point in time, they requested to serve in Spanish-speaking missions.
Between the two missions, Bob and Sherie purchased land in the mountains above Phoenix. Upon returning from their second mission in 2002, they began living full-time to Arizona. Over the next 20+ years, they split time between the mountains (Pine & Payson) and the valley (Mesa).
Bob loved spending time with his family. He and Sherie traveled the country visiting their children, grandchildren, and eventually, great-grandchildren. They enjoyed watching them grow and mature. Bob is survived by his wife Sherie, his six children – Rachelle Park (Jim), Lori Allison (Bryan), Mark Baldridge (Debbie), Scott Baldridge (Tera), Steve Baldridge (Miyoko), and Kendall Baldridge, 23 grandchildren, and 40 great-grandchildren; with the 41st due any day. He was preceded in death by his parents, and by his siblings – Mae Woods (Lloyd), Betty Andersen (Roy), Frances Hilpertshauser (Jack), and Eugene Baldridge (Elizabeth).
A viewing will be held Saturday, March 22 at 9am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 5350 E McLellan Road, Mesa, AZ 85205 with a funeral following at 10am.
There will be a Zoom link for the funeral service: https://zoom.us/j/96422498062?pwd=SDgrOXgzZXV3aWQxRDlXVk41NmNjQT09 Passcode: 729773
A gravesite dedication will take place at noon at the City of Mesa Cemetery at 1212 N. Center Street, Mesa, AZ.
Flowers can be sent on Friday 3/21/25 to Bunker’s University Chapel at 3529 E University Dr, Mesa, AZ 85213.
Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
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