Donald Scott Baldwin

Donald Scott Baldwin, 81, passed away on February 4, 2025 at Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory, NC. Don was born in Brooklyn, NY and lived in Indiana and Ohio before residing in Hickory for over 35 years. Don was a loving husband to Peg for 57 years, father to Allison Tymko (Huntersville, NC) and Kara Baldwin (Greensboro, NC), father-in-law to Tracy Tymko and John Aderholdt, and grandparent to Cooper Tymko and Madeline Tymko. He was a supportive brother to three siblings, in-laws, many nephews and his favorite niece.

Don joined the U.S. Air Force after high school in 1961. While on active duty he earned an Air Force Expert Marksman Ribbon and an Air Force Good Conduct Medal. Airman First Class Baldwin was released from active duty in 1965, and Don continued to serve in the Inactive Reserves until his honorable discharge in 1967. He received his Business Administration degree in 1972 from Adelphi College, NY and got his start as a grain merchant, which brought him to North Carolina in 1989 to work with Midstate Mills in Newton, NC.

Don was a talented artist and woodworker. He used his woodworking skills to make book hooks, cutting boards, and Samba boards to share with friends and family. He also was a great teller of tales that may have been exaggerated but were always entertaining. An avid reader, Don stocked his library with books on history, politics, and his favorite topic: wheat.

Don and Peg loved to travel. Once retired, they packed his red, convertible BMW Z3 and travelled across the United States, visiting 26 states in 54 days. A more recent trip to North Dakota completed their goal to visit all 50 states. But Don’s favorite place to go in his Z3 was closer to home, to the Tail of the Dragon in western North Carolina. Don and Peg also travelled abroad to Europe, South, and Central America, including a trip for his 80th birthday to Costa Rica with his wife, kids, sons-in-law, and grandkids. No matter where he was, Don enjoyed good wine, good food, and the company of family, friends, and new people.

For the last 10 years, Don volunteered at the Hickory Aviation Museum where he could revel in his passion for aviation while also sharing his knowledge with visitors from around the world. Don went above and beyond to support the museum in its growth and was very excited about their upcoming move to a new building at the Hickory Airport.

To share in his passion, there will be a celebration of his life on April 12th from 1:00 to 4:00 at the Hickory Aviation Museum for family and friends to honor Don. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please make donations to the Hickory Aviation Museum, 3101 9th Avenue Drive NW, Box 22A, Hickory, NC 28601 (or online at https://www.hickoryaviationmuseum.org/) in Don’s name.

Condolences may be sent to the Baldwin family @ www.drumfh-hickory.com

Drum Funeral Home in Hickory is honored to be serving the Baldwin family.