John R. Baldwin • April 28, 2023
On April 28th, John Russell Baldwin, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, unexpectedly passed away at 76 years young. John was born in Andalusia, Alabama on March 28, 1947 and resided in Escambia County, Florida for 74 years. He graduated from Escambia High School and later earned his Master’s in Criminal Justice from Troy State University, minoring in Psychology. John served in the United States Air Force from 1966-1970, and continued his service in the Army National Guard until 1972. He joined the Pensacola Police Department in 1972 where he held roles in many departments including Investigations and Tact Squad, among others. John was active in the Fraternal Order of Police and was an integral part of forming the Field Training Officer program. He retired in 1991 as a Sergeant after 19 years of service. John then opened a private investigation firm and worked as an investigator until 2012. He enjoyed camping and fishing, fellowship with his Saturday morning coffee crew buddies, and spending time with his family, especially his grandsons who brought him great joy. John was a spiritual man who was devoted to many church activities at Hillcrest Baptist Church where he was a member.
John is survived by his wife of almost 31 years, Brenda Cox Baldwin, his daughter, Michelle Baldwin Steadham (Michael) and grandsons, Spencer O’Neil Steadham and Gavin O’Connor Steadham. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Bertha Baldwin, his sister, Betty Baldwin, his grandparents and many Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins.
The family will receive friends May 6th at Pensacola Memorial Gardens from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. with Dr. Charles S. Mitchell officiating. Interment will
follow in Pensacola Memorial Gardens. Arrangements entrusted to Pensacola Memorial Gardens Funeral Home.
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When I joined the Pensacola Police Department, John was one of the first offices I met and worked with. He was instrumental in helping me become oriented towards the department and work. I liked and respected John. He was a great guy. I am sorry to hear of his passing. I will keep his family and friends in my prayers.
I was just a kid in East Pensacola Heights when I met John who was a Tac officer at the time. I always looked up to him. Many years later, our paths would cross again when I became a city firefighter in 1983.
I am sorry to learn of John’s passing but I believe, as I know he did, that he is going home. Prayers of comfort for Brenda and the family.
I had the pleasure of working with John at the PPD. My condolences to the family.
Sgt. Baldwin was a great mentor for me when I first started my Law Enforcement career. I hope I exhibited the same leadership style when I became a Sergeant. You will be missed.
John was a great guy and supervisor who always had a nice smile, when I worked on motors with him. He stood up for us when we might have messed something up. He had our back, plus always kept us laughing with his jokes. He will be sorely missed.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Our heartfelt prayers are with you all. I’ll always remember how cool I thought Uncle John looked in his police uniform when I was a kid. He was cool indeed. Much love from the Kelly Linger Bunch ❤️
I enjoyed having coffee with John on Saturday mornings. He will be missed.
Rest in peace my friend and brother. I enjoyed having you as my sergeant . You were always the best to me. You will be missed.
Jeff
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I remember John. He was a soft talking man with a good heart ❤ He showed his appreciation for those he worked with. You will be missed.
My first ten years at PPD, I worked with john. He was one of the good supervisors. My condolences to the family. RIP John.