David M. Baldwin

David Merle Baldwin passed away peacefully in his home with his loving family on March 13, 2026 in Odessa, Texas at the age of 83, after suffering a major stroke.

He was born in Geary, Oklahoma on April 18, 1942 to Alma Grace Baldwin (Albin) and Meredith James Baldwin (lovingly known as ‘Doc’).

Dr. David M. Baldwin was a distinguished researcher and educator whose work in physiology and reproductive endocrinology spanned almost five decades.

David’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science from Southwestern State College, followed by a Master of Science from Oklahoma State University. He earned his Ph.D. in Physiology from the University of California, Davis, before further specializing as a postdoctoral fellow in neuroendocrinology at UCLA.

Throughout his prolific career, Dr. Baldwin held significant faculty and leadership positions at several prestigious institutions. He began his professorship at the University of Cincinnati School of Medicine (1974–1987) before returning to the University of California, Davis (1988–1991). David then transitioned into research leadership at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Odessa, serving as the Director of Research and Sponsored Programs (1991–1996). He later joined the University of Nebraska Medical Center as a Professor and Coordinator for Research and Development at the Olson Center for Women’s Health (1996-1999). In 1999, he returned to Texas Tech, serving as the Assistant Dean of Clinical Research until his retirement in 2012.

A dedicated mentor, educator, and researcher, David’s life was defined by a commitment to excellence that earned him a lifetime of accolades. He twice received the Professor of the Year Award at the University of Cincinnati, the President’s Excellence in Teaching Award from Texas Tech, and the National Faculty Award for Excellence in Resident Education (CREOG) in 1998. His career-long devotion culminated in the 2008 Dean’s Distinguished Service Award, a testament to his profound impact on the Texas Tech School of Medicine through his scholarship, clinical practice, and service to the community.

Beyond his teaching, Dr. Baldwin was a respected voice in the scientific community. He served on the editorial boards for Biology of Reproduction and the Texas Journal of Rural Health, and was an active member of the Endocrine Society and the American Physiological Society. His commitment to public health was also evident in his local community work, where he developed a medical talk show for the Hispanic community in Odessa and served on various regional health coalitions. David’s legacy lives on through his extensive body of published research and the many students and residents he mentored throughout his career.

While his demanding career monopolized much of his time, David pursued passions far beyond the lab. In the early 1980’s he realized one of his dreams outside of academia by earning his pilot's license. Flying as often as he could find time, he furthered that dream in 2001 when he bought his own plane, a Piper Comanche he proudly named Plane Jane. Whether he was flying to Springdale, Arkansas to visit his mom, over to Junction, Texas to pick up some Lum’s barbeque, or up to Ruidoso, New Mexico to listen to the rain from a porch and hit the casino, David found endless adventure and joy with his Plane Jane.

When he wasn't in the air, David’s heart belonged to the outdoors and the simple pleasures of home. An avid fisherman, he escaped as often as possible to any riverbank where he could cast a fishing pole. He was also a man of deep musical passions; from rock n’ roll and oldies to bluegrass and country western, he loved it all. Whether he was singing at the top of his lungs in the car or clearing the living room furniture to two-step with his wife, Sylvia, music was a constant source of joy in his soul.

Of all his many talents, perhaps his most legendary was his mastery of the board game Sorry!. He delighted in teaching family and friends the nuances of offensive versus defensive strategy and the "power of ruthlessness." These games were never just about winning, but about the deep belly laughs and the pure connection that came from a simple night spent around the table with those he loved.

David’s legacy lives on not only through his scientific contributions but in the songs he sang, the rivers he fished, and the playful competitive spirit he instilled in his family.

He is survived by his wife Sylvia Baldwin; his sister Marilyn Collier (Wesley); his seven children, Tammy Lauber, Terri Murray (Larry), Pamela Baldwin, Jesse Maas-Baldwin (Kerrie), Jason Maas-Baldwin (Lannis Enriques), Samantha Maas-Baldwin (Stuart Lehman-Brown), and Erica Robertson. He also leaves behind twelve grandchildren, Austen Lauber, Derick Gonzales, Kason Lauber, Shannon Lauber, Scott Lauber, Maisie Maas-Baldwin, Brody Maas-Baldwin, Arlo Maas-Baldwin, Ashton Maas-Baldwin, August Maas-Baldwin, Kolton Maas-Baldwin, Kinsley Maas-Baldwin; and eight great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by both his parents and his brother, Ron Baldwin.

Arrangements are being handled by Kelly S Nichols at Nichols Funeral Home.

There will be a Celebration of Life held at 1:00pm on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the Texas Tech School of Medicine Building, 801 W. 4th Street-Odessa, Texas  79763.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org/donate; or to the Alzheimer's Association.