Wayne Jay Baldwin

Wayne Jay Baldwin was born on December 3,1948 to EE Baldwin and Frances Adams Baldwin. Wayne passed away on March 2, 2024 with his wife, Debbie, daughter, Alexis, son, Andrew and honorary family member, Grant Smith present at his bedside.

He was raised in Alice and graduated from William Adams High School. He also earned a Bachelor’s degree from Southwest Texas State University. In 1965 Wayne started racing outboard hydroplanes and continued through 1982. He traveled all over the United States and even Europe to participate in various races. He and his wife Debbie were married on April 16, 1977 and even changed their wedding date to spend part of their honeymoon in Berlin so he could participate in a World Championship race. He won many championships and set speed records one of which still stands today. Wayne enjoyed posting photos and stories on Boat Racing Facts. He also served as a historian and would post information on various boat racers and races when people contacted him. Last year Andrew asked Wayne’s boat racing buddy, Steve Wetherbee, if he could find an old hydro like the one Wayne drove. Steve was able to track one down. Wayne and Steve enjoyed a trip to Ohio to pick up the boat at the first of this year. Wayne was looking forward to restoring the boat with Andrew and putting it on display in their home. The boat will be finished.

EE  "Baldy" Baldwin " founded Alice Specialty Company in 1946 where the family worked together for many years.  Wayne later worked with his father-in-law, Bob Jenkins at the Robert A Jenkins Co. Inc an oil field service company.  He then served as vice president and co-owner of the Robert A. Jenkins Co. Inc with his brother-in-law, Rob Jenkins. On June 30, 1989 Wayne was Commissioned to the board of the Nueces River Authority by Governor George Bush where he enjoyed serving until March 1994. He was active in the Republican Party of Jim Wells County for many years and served as a precinct chairman and also as election judge many times. Wayne enjoyed playing the guitar and harmonica. Through the years, his faith in God inspired him to write music for the Lord. As a special 25th wedding anniversary gift for Debbie, he wrote and recorded an original song, which was performed by a dear friend La Verne Smith. This CD also included friends Edward Smith and Ben Liska performing other songs.

Wayne & Debbie enjoyed many happy years living at Lake Corpus Christi and they loved spending time with Will, Alexis and their grandchildren, Asher, Kane, Evie. and son, Andrew. Wayne always had a story to tell and a friendly greeting to offer. He was well liked by everyone he met.

The family is grateful that their former pastors Bob and Becky Renfrow were able to make the trip down from North Texas to conduct Wayne’s memorial service.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Debbie Baldwin; two children, Alexis (Will) Upton, and Andrew Adams Baldwin; three grandchildren, Asher, Kane, and Evie Upton; one brother, Mark (Anne) Baldwin; two sisters, Brenda Ruschhaupt, and Jan Bannerman; and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

The family appreciates all the heart felt condolences they have received and for the prayers made on their behalf.

A Visitation will be held on Friday, March 15, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM with a Memorial service to be held at 11:00 AM at Holmgreen Mortuary 2061 E. Main St. Alice, TX.

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