William Fred Baldon

William Fred Baldon, 91, of Adel, IA passed away Sunday, February 4, 2024 at Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines.

Fred was born on January 4, 1933 in Adel, IA to William “Dutch” and Helen (Morey) Baldon. Fred graduated from Adel High School in 1951 and was the class president. After high school he proudly served in the Coast Guard from 1951 to 1955. At the time he held the record for the greatest number of parachute jumps in one day.

On December 14, 1954 he married Josephine Byrnes. Fred and Jo had two sons, William and Timothy. In 1959 Fred graduated from Drake University with a degree in education. He owned and operated Baldon & Son Plumbing and Heating. In 1980 Fred and Jo bought the hardware store in Adel, Baldon Hardware.

Fred and Jo enjoyed traveling, especially to Yellowstone National Park and Nashville, Tennessee to the Grand Ole Opry, as well as camping in Roaring River State Park at the Ozarks in Missouri. They enjoyed many years wintering in Mission, Texas. They also loved going to the Drake basketball games to cheer on the Bulldogs.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents; his grandson, Chris Baldon and daughter-in-law, Julie Baldon. Also preceding him in death were his sisters, Anna Walker, Creta Ward, Barbara Widmer Nuzum, Betty Winget Lallinger, Dorothy York, and JoAnn Brooker.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Josephine Baldon; his sons, Bill (Cindy) and Tim (Karen) Baldon both of Adel. His granddaughters, Katie (Matt) Bootier and Jenny (Rick) Baldon; six great-grandchildren, Connor Baldon, Will and Evelyn Bootier, Westen, Sawyer, and Charlotte Baldon, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside service for Fred will be held at 1:30 pm on Friday, February 9, 2024 at Oakdale Cemetery in Adel with full military honors. Memorial contributions are encouraged to First Christian Church in Adel or the American Legion Penoach Post #464. Online condolences can be made to the family at caldwellparrish.com.