Bruce Baptiste passed away Aug. 31.

Bruce was born in Butler, March 30, 1955, to George Charles and Martha Jane Baptiste. He graduated high school in Butler, and at 17 enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He served honorably from 1972 to 1976 and was discharged with the rank of sergeant, E4.

After his military service, Bruce attended Harding University in Searcy, Ark., where he earned a bachelor of arts in education and Biblical studies. Bruce taught at Margaret White Elementary in Blythe, Calif., until 2006 when he accepted a teaching position at Ironwood State Prison, where he enthusiastically tutored inmates for 11 years until his tragic passing.

Bruce married his present wife, Elsie Mandin Magallanes, on Nov. 26, 2016.

Some of Bruce’s passions were riding his Harley Davidson and golfing. He loved spending Christmas holidays back home with his family in Pennsylvania. Bruce cherished the time he had with his father, watching football games together all day, especially the Pittsburgh Steelers.

He served for years as a deacon and taught Bible classes at home and at church for 24 years.

He was a member of the Blythe Church of Christ.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Elsie; his daughter, Xena; his sons, Ben Baptiste and Issac (Jam) Johnson of California and Adam (Wendy) Johnson of Texas; his parents, George and Martha Baptiste; his sister, Wendy (David) Miller; his brothers, Dave (Marlene) Baptiste, Terry (Debby) Baptiste, all of Butler, and Tim (Lisa) Baptiste of Chicora; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

BAPTISTE— A memorial service for Bruce Baptiste, who died Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, was conducted Tuesday at the Blythe Church of Christ in Blythe, Calif.