Edson Mirabilis Mendes Baiao

Edson Mirabilis Mendes Baiao, 42, passed away on Sunday, May 31, 2026 in Marion, Indiana. He was born on April 21,1984 in Luanda, Angola, to Caetano Francisco Baiao and Noemia Adriano Mendes Baiao and they survive. Edson married his beloved wife and best friend, Lindsay Nicole Baiao, on January 31, 2012, after the two met while attending IPFW.

Edson lived his early childhood years in Angola and Portugal, prior to moving to Fort Wayne, IN where he was a graduate of Concordia Lutheran High School. He studied Public Affairs and Organizational Leadership at Indiana Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Affairs and a Master’s degree in Public Management. He then went on to pursue a degree in his passion of helping the youth where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education through Taylor University.

Edson and Lindsay’s love story begins on the campus of IPFW. Edson and Lindsay were both volunteering for the Junior Achievement program for the children in the community. He had asked Lindsay to help fill out certificates for him, and that was all it took for their love and passion for each other to begin as well as for helping the community youths.

Edson started his career for Mississinewa as a substitute teacher at Westview Elementary which led to becoming a Paraprofessional there. Edson then moved on to become the Dean of Students at R. J. Baskett Middle School. After RJB, Edson went to work at Mississinewa High School as a Resource Teacher. Edson had a true gift for working with students and building relationships of trust. His involvement in the local school community in Gas City, IN and his commitment to supporting student development, helped promote learning opportunities, foster community engagement, and strengthen programs that prepare students for academic achievement, future careers and leading successful lives.

Edson’s greatest pride and deepest joy were his children, Adriana and Parker. He loved them with a fierce, unconditional love that could be felt in everything he did. He loved cheering for them at their sports games, robotics and academics. He loved surprising them with family vacations, watching sporting events, making them aware of world news and having movie nights at home. Edson also loved cooking. He was always trying out a new recipe or just making something up on the fly! You would always know Edson was around because before you would see him you would hear his distinct and contagious laugh. Edson always welcomed everyone with a handshake or a hug and made everyone he met feel welcomed. Edson was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend.

Surviving are his wife, Lindsay Nichole Withrow Baiao; children, Adriana Kataleya Withrow Baiao and Parker Kennedy Withrow Baiao; parents Caetano Baiao and Noemia Baiao of Luanda; sister, Josina Baiao of Luanda; brother Caetano (Hilaria) Baiao of Luanda; sister-in-law, Jacky (Jason) Siemers of Fort Collins, Colorado; brother-in-law, Jordan (Lauren) Lake of Indianapolis; mother-in-law, Marilou (Dan) Pulley of Gas City; several nieces and nephews; and a multitude of friends.

The family will receive visitors from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Monday, June 15, 2026, at Gas City Performing Arts Center, 100 Auditorium Dr., Gas City, IN 46933.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 pm on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at the Gas City Performing Arts Center, 100 Auditorium Dr., Gas City, IN 46933. Pastor Brian Holland will be officiating. A private burial will be held at Jefferson Cemetery, Upland, IN.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Adriana and Parker’s college trust fund, in care of Lindsay Baiao.

Arrangements entrusted to Reichard Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed online at www.reichardfh.com.