Wayne Averill Baldwin

Wayne Averill Baldwin passed away on November 8, 2026 in Yakima, WA. Wayne was born September 19, 1926, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, to William Henry Baldwin and Althea May Averill Baldwin. He grew up in Larchmont, New York enjoying an active childhood filled with sports, scouting, summers at the Jersey Shore, and family adventures.

He attended Murray Avenue School, Mamaroneck Junior High and High School, and completed his senior year at The Loomis School in Windsor, Connecticut. Shortly after graduating in 1944, Wayne entered the U.S. Army, serving in the Pacific during World War II. He was stationed in the Philippines and later Tokyo, where he became a First Sergeant at age nineteen.

Upon returning to the U.S. Wayne attended the University of Cincinnati on an accelerated veterans’ program and earned a B.A. in Economics in 1950. During college summers, Wayne and his brother Ray worked at the Many Glacier Hotel in Glacier National Park, Montana. There he met Marilyn Noeske, who became the love of his life. They married in 1952 and shared over seventy years together.

Wayne began his career in the automobile business before joining Bemis Company in Minneapolis, MN. There he advanced through sales and management roles while welcoming children Mark, Carol, and David. In 1961, the family moved to California, where Wayne managed a new Bemis plastics plant in Union City.

In 1964, the family moved to Yakima when Wayne joined Shields Bag & Printing. There he was instrumental in developing the flexible packaging side of the business, growing it from a small basement operation in the Savoy Hotel into a nationwide manufacturer with hundreds of employees and extensive production facilities before retiring in January 1994.

Wayne was active in many civic activities around Yakima, including the Yakima Lions Club, Yakima Tennis Club, St. Elizabeth Hospital Board of Directors, and First Presbyterian Church. He and Marilyn also established a scholarship for students at Heritage University which will carry their legacy into the future.

Wayne enjoyed golf, tennis, and dining with friends. In retirement, his coffee group and golf buddies were a source of great pleasure. He and Marilyn traveled extensively with many different groups and wintered in Hawaii and Palm Desert in their later years. For over 30 years, most summer weekends were spent with family and friends at a cabin in Watson’s Resort on Lake Chelan. Wayne would frequently sit lakeside with a glass of wine in hand and say he’d traveled all over the world and there’s no view better than this.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents and grandson, Patrick Baldwin. Wayne is survived by his wife, Marilyn, children Mark (Debbi), Carol (Paul), and Dave. Grandchildren Blake (Mary), Michael (Holly), Lindsay (Kevin), and Julia (Gabriel). Great-grandchildren Paisley and Camille. Wayne is also survived by his brother, Ray (Eleanor), and nephews Jeffrey and Glenn.

Wayne will be remembered for his leadership, work ethic, adventurous spirit, devotion to God and family, and the many lives he touched through friendship, service, and mentorship.

Arrangements are being handled by Keith & Keith Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church (9 S. 8th Avenue, Yakima) on December 4, 2026 at 11:00am.

Remembrances can be made to Heritage University Scholarship Fund, Camp Ghormley, or the charity of the donor’s choice.