Douglas Ivan Baldry “Doug” passed away Sunday, September 18, 2022. Dad was born March 11, 1930 to John and Elizabeth (Endicott) Baldry in Opheim, Montana. As a child, dad lived in a variety of small north-eastern Montana towns on the Canadian border. Farming and herding sheep were his memories of home.
In 1951, before Doug could be drafted into the Korean War, dad enlisted into the United States Marine Corps. After bootcamp in San Diego, California dad arrived in his forever home, Hawthorne, Nevada on Ground Hogs Day 1952. Serving his country was completed at the Hawthorne NAD. Dad, along with his older brother Loren, were the only brothers stationed locally together. Two important and lifelong friends were established with the late Frank French (also from Montana) and Roscoe Mart (from Eddyville, Iowa).
April 25, 1953 dad married Asalea “Acie” Barton, and they were married for 59.5 years before her passing in 2012. Meeting at the local “Sugar Bowl” diner, dad took one look at mom and said “one day, I am going to marry that girl” and they did After their wedding and honeymoon to Tonopah, Nevada they moved into the only home they ever had. The home, 396 Sierra Way (E street/Main street) was often referred to as “the ranch” because raising animals was always a constant. It was nothing to see a donkey grazing in the front yard, bottle feeding pigs and lambs in the living room, to the ever faithful dogs that shaped and bonded a family. Our parents’ home, 4th and E Street was always filled with kids. Beginning with the Barton’s (Eric, Mark, Shelly, and Wade), Coxes (Leslie, Mindy, and Jana), Espinosa’s (Bobby, Brucie, Tony, Roland, Jeff and Steven), and many, many more.
Our Dad worked in a variety of jobs over the years. From the NAD in the 104 area, trapping the local hills, ranching in Reese River, and finally retiring from Nye County Road Department. Dad had the pleasure of being retired for 31 years. Upon retirement, Mom and Dad spent many years traveling in the little motorhome to Tecopa hot springs (Death Valley), to Idaho, Montana, and Colorado for family, and across the country to visit Marine friends in Iowa.
Our family has numerous memories and most of them were within the walls of 396 E Street. Dad’s famous Christmas Eve hamburger feed (cooked on a wood fired cookstove) where it was normal to have 30 to 40 family and friends. The famous hamburgers must have been a clincher as they were first made at the Sugar Bowl diner where mom and dad met. This year, our traditional hamburger feed will be different, but passing the torch of hamburger shaping, making, and cooking to grandchildren will ensure memories will continue to generations.
Armed Forces Day celebrations were completed in the front yard. Following the parade, lunch was served with the menu changing yearly. The parade passed right in front of the house and this allowed for Gram, Auntie Merle, Uncle Gary, and other elderly friends to sit and relax in the shade and the young children to freely watch the parade and play safely.
Preceding our dad in death, were his wife Acie, parents John and Elizabeth, and siblings Harold, Wes, Floyd, Horace, Dale, Loren, Philip, Anna, and Effie, and extended son Jeff Espinosa. Surviving Doug is his sister, 104 year old Ruth Halverson (Montana). Children: Tracey (Patrick) (Pennsylvania), Bud (Marta), Holly (Pat), Marci (Vance), and extended son Danny Strong. Grand children: Tara, Wade (Amanda), Zac (Tab), Hillary (Brandon), Hannah (little Bud). Great-grandchildren: Jade, Peyton, Asalea, Esme, Lundy, Leighton, Mila, and Henley.
Dad lived a long 92 years. As his children our lives have changed but we will continue to remember and cherish our parents with love.
Memorial for our parents, Doug and Acie will be held Saturday, October 8, 2022 at 2 p.m. at the Bethany Lutheran Church (2nd and C street). Reception following at the Elk’s Hall at 3 p.m. (5th and F street).
