William “Bill” L. Baldridge, age 69, unexpectedly passed away at home on Wednesday, November 8, 2017. Bill was born on September 24, 1948, in Kenton, Ohio, to James and Anna Margaret Baldridge.
Bill graduated from Kenton High School in 1966 where he was a member of the football and track teams. He then attended Bowling Green State University where he was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in 1970 and a Specialist Degree from the University of Toledo in 1985. Following graduation from BGSU, he worked as a deputy sheriff in Hardin County for 1 year before accepting a teaching position at Rogers High School. Throughout his career in education, Bill also spent time in the Bowling Green School District, Sylvania Schools, and Anthony Wayne Local School District. His time included teaching industrial technology, coaching football, wrestling, and track, and numerous administrative positions. While at Anthony Wayne High School, Bill served as Assistant Principal, Athletic Director, and an Associate Principal. He retired in 2005 after 35 years in education. His passion was kids and he impacted the lives of countless students in every district in which he worked. After retirement, he continued to serve the Anthony Wayne District as an interim Transportation Director and as an Energy Consultant. Saving energy (and dollars for the district) was another of Bill’s passions!
Bill has always lead an active life and enjoyed boating and fishing in the summer and could often be seen in the local parks walking his dog. Also, he became an avid cyclist after retirement and was proud to ride in the Pelotonia in Columbus to help find a cure for cancer. With the help of sponsors he raised thousands of dollars for cancer research at The James over the last 3 years.
Surviving is his wife, GeorgeAnne. They were married on June 16, 1973. Also surviving are their 2 children: Brian (Britt) and Jamie Baldridge. Bill has 5 grandchildren: Griffin, Reese, and Emery Baldridge and Ava and Layna Kirchinger. They fondly refer to him as “papa”. He will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his family and many friends whose lives he touched. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Anna Margaret.
Visitation will be on Monday, Nov. 13, 2017, from 4-9 p.m. at the Peinert-Dunn Funeral Home, 7220 Dutch Rd. Waterville, OH, with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017, at 10:30 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Maumee, Ohio. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution in Bill’s memory can be made to the Metroparks of Toledo, to St. Joseph Life Teen (St. Joseph Parish, Maumee), or to the Pelotonia (614-221-6100). To leave on online memory please visit dunnfuneralhome.com.
