Donald Baldwin

Donald Edgar Baldwin was born December 24, 1932, in Omaha, NE. Don was the only son of six children born to Edgar Thomas Baldwin and Esta May (Grant) Baldwin.

Being the son of a United Methodist minister, the family made their home in many small Nebraska towns including Cedar Bluffs, Julian, Inman, and finally graduating from Belgrade High School in 1951, as a Salutatorian.

After graduation, Donald enrolled in Nebraska Wesleyan University Lincoln until drafted into the US Army in 1953. Donald served until discharged in 1955.

In 1957 he moved to Omaha to work with Commodore Corporation making furniture, box springs, and mattresses. While living in Omaha he met, dated, and married his wife, Joann Forbes. They were married May 18, 1958, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Yorktown, Iowa. On January 1, 1959, they followed Commodore Corporation when the company moved to Falls City. Following their move to Falls City, Donald was confirmed and became a member of Christ Lutheran Church. To this union was born a son, James Daniel and a daughter, Sharon Louise.

Donald was a member and officer of the United Steel Workers of America, #5863. Following the closing of Commodore Corporation/Frontier Homes plant, Donald worked for Krumme Lumber, then Richardson County as a Jailor. His real love was upholstry and mattress making which he did with Joann for over 50 years.

Donald had a heart for Community Service. He served 20 years as a Falls City Councilman. He was Council President for one term. He was a member and past president of the Falls City Tree Board. He really enjoyed telling everyone how many trees he helped plant throughout the city and of his special project of planting over 17 different species of Oak trees in the south end of Stanton Lake Park. Donald was a charter member of the Working Committee for the Itha Krumme Arboretum. He spent one year on the F.C. Housing Authority and was past chairman of Southeast Nebraska Council of Government. He helped obtain a grant for a new fire truck, a grant to improve Grandview Park, along with funds for several other park projects. Donald and several others, raised money to establish and promote the legacy and artwork of Falls City native, John Falter. He was instrumental in establishing the first Falter display at 17th & Harlan Street. He was a member of the F.C. Industrial Committee.

Donald received several awards and plaques for his work. He received "The Outstanding Tree Planter" award from the Nemaha Natural Resources District, a "Volunteer Award" from the Statewide Arboretum, the "Key to the City of Falls City", and the "Outstanding Community Leader" Award from the Falls City Jaycees. In gratitude to Don Koso and Donald for work in the City parks the street going to Stanton Lake Park was named in their honor as "Koso-Baldwin Parkway".

Donald and Joann were faithful members of Christ Lutheran Church while in Falls City. Together they served as church custodians for 49 years. Donald was a member of Lutheran Layman's League, served on the Church Council, was Church Treasurer for 9 years, and served as Evangelism/Care and Share Chairman for years. While serving on the Evangelism board he, along with Pastor Aaron Pingle and Rod Vandeberg, began the Radio Ministry which can still be heard on Sunny 101.3 each Sunday at 9:30 am. Throughout his years, he helped promote many thrivent projects and community beliefs. All these things were done only by the Grace of God and many good friends. Besides Don's passion for the community and giring, he loved gardening, bee keeping, painting, coin and stamp collecting, Nebraska sports, and family.

In 2018 Don and Joann moved to Milford, NE to be closer to family. Joann passed away in 2019. Donald moved to Kinship Pointe, Seward, NE in 2024 where he enjoyed participating in activities, visiting with residents and staff, and walking the halls. While there, he was chosen as Seward County Veteran of the month in June 2024. On February 13, 2026, he was first runner up for Valentine King at Kinship Pointe.

Donald was preceded in death by his wife, Joann; parents; and sisters.

Survived by two children, James (Katie) Baldwin, Omaha, NE, Sharon (Rob) Hull, Milford, NE; grandchildren Debra (Sean) Thiemann, Jennifer (Joe) Loukota, Christopher (Jenny) Hull, Alex (HIlary) Hull; great grandchildren Jacob, Alaina, Annabelle Thiemann, Aiden and Isabelle Fulks, Owen, Emma, Ian and Olive Hull, and Matthew Hull.

Visitation: Thursday, February 26, 2026, 1:00 - 8:00 p.m. with family greeting and receiving friends and relatives from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Lauber Funeral Home in Milford, NE.

Funeral Service: 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 27, 2026, at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Milford, NE.

Graveside Service: 3:00 p.m. Friday, February 27, 2026, with full military burial rites taking place at the Steele Cemetery, Fall City, NE.

Memorials are designated to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Milford, or the ITHA KRUMME MEMORIAL ARBORATUM in Falls City.