Arnold Ray Baldwin

Arnold Baldwin, 57, passed away unexpectedly at his home on October 29, 2024, due to natural causes. This news comes as a shock to many, as some had anticipated a more adventurous fate—perhaps involving a run-in with a gator or a wild hog.

Born on September 8, 1967, Arnold was the third of four sons of Ruby and Ted Baldwin. He spent his childhood traveling across the country on the back of his parents' motorcycles before the family settled in Vidor, Texas.

Arnold met Shannon, the love of his life, in 1985 while they were still in high school. Together, they raised three wonderful children: Travis, Tisha, and Tamra. Arnold was also a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren, including his favorite accomplice, Ethan, who was often seen shadowing Arnold and presumably plotting their next adventure.

Arnold’s lifelong friendships with Lonnie Strother and Peanut Jenkins were legendary, yielding antics that left the rest of the family wondering whether to laugh or call for backup. These exploits probably explain why Arnold was on a first-name basis with many local law enforcement officers. Just ask Travis and Peanut about the gator run-in at Mansfield. Just ask Travis and Lonnie about the time Arnold rode on the back of a wild hog.

Throughout his life, Arnold brushed with death on several occasions, surviving each in miraculous fashion time — such as a workplace accident at Dollinger Steel that resulted in his lower jaw being reconstructed;, or the night he decided to toss a pair of raccoons into the bed with his wife on a dare from Lonnie (both Arnold and Lonnie were fortunate to have survived that escapade).

Arnold shared a special bond with his grandson Ethan, and the two were frequently seen together fishing, working on projects, or debating the merits of various hunting knives.

Known for his humor and playful banter, Arnold had a unique ability to strike up conversations with anyone, regardless of age or familiarity. His boisterous, distinctive laugh was unmistakable, and he was renowned for his fearlessness (see the aforementioned gator).

Beyond the laughter and crazy antics, Arnold was a devoted and loyal friend, inspiring and he inspired that same loyalty in others. Many described him as someone who would "give you the shirt off his back." He even drove his mother-in-law back and forth from Vidor to Houston for months to receive cancer treatments at MD Anderson.

He is survived by his wife, Shannon; his children, Travis and fiancée Stephanie, Tisha and fiancé Rob, and Tamra and her husband Duncan; his grandchildren, Skyler, Ethan, Brooklynn, Abie, Danny, Leia, Dominic, and last but certainly not least, Olivia. He is also survived by one great-grandchild, Jaxyn. Arnold leaves behind a lifetime supply of love and laughter.

A celebration of Arnold’s life will be held at 2 PM on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at Forest Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park, located at 4955 Pine St, Beaumont, TX 77703. Guests are encouraged to share their favorite Arnold stories. Dress code: Whatever you’re comfortable in. Because let’s be honest: Arnold would want us to come as we are.