Tulsa Woman: Thieves Stole More Than Guitars, Took Husband's Spirit

A Tulsa woman said burglars stole her late husband's spirit, in the form of his expensive guitar collection.

The guitars were meant to be passed down, from generation to generation, but now they're gone, and the woman is asking Tulsans to be on the lookout.

Herlinda Baldwin said the loss of the guitars is like losing her husband for the second time.

“To disrespect a man like that, that's just evil," she said.

Three months to the day Baldwin lost her beloved husband, someone stole his guitar collection; 17 guitars worth $50,000.

List Of Stolen Guitars

It's not the monetary value that matters to Baldwin, it's what they represent.

"It felt like we lost him again. Those were his spirit," she said.

Kenneth C. Baldwin, Jr., or Ken, was a musician, somewhat of a rock star in the 1970s.

He became a member of Tulsa's own Fabulous Fleshtones in the 80s, but more recently, he used his music to bring youth to Jesus.

"He planted a lot of seeds and his music was beautiful," Baldwin said.

The music faded when he was diagnosed with liver cancer.

He passed away August 4th, leaving behind a fabulous collection of guitars - a 1969 Stratocaster, worth $35,000, a gold Gibson, worth $15,000, Martin guitars, Paul Reed Smith guitars, a Fender and acoustic guitars signed by Eric Clapton - all taken from the Baldwin's home.

"He's a great man. Why would that evil person do that to him? He's a beautiful man," Baldwin said.

The guitars were meant to be family heirlooms and Baldwin is begging whoever has them to give them back.

"We do want your guitars back. We do want your girls to have them. We do want your boys to have them. They deserve them. That's what you wanted," she said.

Tulsa police mind pawn shop transactions and told Baldwin the guitars could be sold on Craigslist.

If you're buying a guitar, or see one similar to the Baldwin's, call Tulsa police.