Mertroe Baldwin Hornbuckle

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Mertroe Baldwin Hornbuckle. Mert was born in Slaton, Texas, on October 3, 1942, to Garriott Thompson Hollinger Baldwin and Ruth Wright Baldwin. His father, a military veteran and law school graduate, predeceased him at an early age. His mother later married his adoptive father, Robert Noble Hornbuckle.

He had two half-siblings: a brother, Michael Robert of Annapolis, who predeceased him; and a sister, Patricia Diane Pobol of Vancouver.

Mert attended Carleton College in Minnesota and graduated from Wayne State University in Michigan. He began his career in management at the Ford Motor Company’s Steel Division in Dearborn, Michigan, and later joined Deere & Company Headquarters in Moline, Illinois. There, he rose to senior leadership in Human Resources, ultimately gaining global responsibility for the function.

In 1975, Mert married Donna Therese Pflepsen in Rock Island, Illinois. Together they raised three sons: Blake Baldwin (Jooyoung) of Seattle; Evan Paul (Rebecca) of Boston; and Seth Wright of Austin.

Mert is survived by his loving wife, Donna; his three sons; and four grandchildren: Hana of Seattle; Sydney and Austin of Boston; and Emily of Austin.

He passed away in Naples, Florida, due to a cardiovascular condition. Mert lived his life with unconditional kindness and generosity. He will be forever missed by his family and friends.