Norma Leak Baldwin
4/7/1926 - 10/10/2025

Norma Elizabeth Leak Baldwin passed away on October 10, 2025, in Round Rock, TX. She approached life with optimism and grace. She was devoted to her family, supporting with quiet strength and unwavering faith. She had a smile that would light up the room and was an inspiration to many. She was deeply respected by all that knew her.

Norma Elizabeth was born on a farm a few miles from Delmont, South Dakota on April 7, 1926. She was raised by her mother, Violet Viola Duke Leak and father, Walter Leak. Norma moved with her parents to Iowa and began 1st grade at only four years old, attending school in both a one-room schoolhouse as well as a “city” school in Des Moines. She later moved with her mother to McAllen, TX, graduating from McAllen High School at 16 years old. Her first job was as a telephone operator with Southwestern Bell in McAllen, TX followed by a job with the U.S. Ration Board during WW II. In 1946, Norma married James “Jim” Baldwin at her mother’s home, officiated by Reverend Dr. Lindsey from First Presbyterian Church of McAllen. She recalled this day “…the happiest days of my life, along with the birth of our four darling daughters.” The newlyweds moved to Corpus Christi, TX where they resided for 25 years. Norma and Jim moved to Kerrville, TX in 1972 where they developed many friendships through their work with the Rotary Club, membership at First Presbyterian Church and neighbors. Those that knew Jim and Norma knew their back door was always open and a pot of coffee always on.

Norma was a devoted wife to Jim (a WW II veteran and polio survivor) for 61 years until his passing in 2007, working alongside him in their businesses. She became the executive secretary of the Kerrville Rotary Club in 1975 until her retirement in 2000. She was presented with an Honorary Rotarian membership and the Paul Harris Fellow designation. Furthering Jim and Norma Baldwin’s dedication and work with the Kerrville Rotary Club, the Jim and Norma Baldwin Scholarship Fund was created. In later years, Norma enjoyed traveling, bible study, reading, playing canasta and watching movies, especially old westerns.

Norma is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jim; daughter, Marsha Denton; son-in-law, Eric Mankus; half-brother, Robert Collins; and grandson, Wesley Murphy.

She is survived by three children, Nancy Baldwin Palermo and husband Ben, son-in law, Larry Denton, Susan Baldwin Mankus, Jenny Baldwin Murphy and husband Karl; grandchildren, Chris O’Brien and wife Brandy, Jill O’Brien and husband Nic, Kayla Stockton and husband Ethan, Jeremy Johnson, Danielle Moore and husband Will, Ben Denton, Emily Murphy and Lauren Murphy; ten great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30pm, Monday, November 17, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church Kerrville, Schreiner Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Rotary Club of Kerrville: Scholarship Fund or Polio Plus Program, PO Box 295335, Kerrville, TX 78029.

A photo album honoring Norma’s life and the many people and places she loved is located at : Norma Elizabeth Leak Baldwin · Jan 31, 2015 – Oct 16, 2025

In the Garden--Jim Reeves

When We All Get to Heaven--Alan Jackson

For the Good Times--Ray Price

Will There Be Any Stars in My Crown--George Jones

Joy to My Soul--Ethel Waters

Catch a Falling Star--Perry Como

He'll Have to Go--Jim Reeves

I'll Fly Away--Jim Reeves

Crazy Arms--Ray Price

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