Donald Lee Baldwin passed away on September 19, 2016 at Haven Hospice in Orange Park, FL. He was born on October 7, 1931 in Seneca, Iowa to the late Cecil and Helen Baldwin.

Don was born on a farm and after high school joined the U.S. Navy and served four years on the flight deck of two ships, the Bon Homme Richard CV/CVA 31 and Yorktown CV 10, he rose to AB2. Returning from Korean service, he attended North Western Chiropractic College in MN and earned his degree as Doctor of Chiropractic and opened his practice in Des Moines, IA in 1958. He also earned two additional specialty degrees. Don added to his knowledge and skills by becoming a Chiropractic Orthopedist attaining the degree of DABCO and Chiropractic Industrial Consultant DABCOH. He was licensed in five states (IA, AR, MS, LA and MO) and two countries (Australia and the United States). Don was a public speaker and mentor to new doctors entering the field and was instrumental in opening up the Military Healthcare System to include Chiropractic care for all active duty personnel. In 1995, he was the first chiropractor to be contracted by the U.S. Navy in Jacksonville, FL. Because of his work and the work of others in the demonstration team, Chiropractic is now fully integrated in all military and veteran facilities in the United States and several overseas bases. Don was among the founders of The American Chiropractic Association and IA Chiropractic Society. He was known for his “can do” and “we will make it work” attitude and for his skills in what could be hostile situations, bring harmony and cooperation among all concerned for everyone’s benefit. He will be greatly missed.

Don was a member of the First Baptist Church, Ortega Campus, in Jacksonville, FL. He was a 33rd degree Mason, Southgate Lodge, Des Moines, IA, Scottish Rite and Order of Eastern Star in which he was a 50 year member of each.

Leaving to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Gwendy Baldwin; step son, LCDR Michael Peters USN (Renay Bell Peters); and good friend, Adam Jones of Des Moines, IA.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church Ortega, 4865 Roosevelt Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32210.

The family requests, in lieu of flowers, remembrances be sent to Northwestern Health Sciences University, 2501 W. 84th Street, Bloomington, MN 55431, ATTN: Emily Peterson

Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home, 529 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park, FL 32073, (904) 264-1233 is serving the family.

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