Temple Baxter Dunn

Temple Baxter Dunn, Jr. was born on March 29, 1947, in Bakersfield, CA to Temple and Lois Dunn. Baxter moved to Manteca, CA in 1949, where he raised his family and remained deeply tied to his hometown throughout his life. The longtime Sheriff of San Joaquin County passed away at his home on September 27, 2025, with his wife by his side. Baxter was a graduate of Manteca High where he was a standout in football and wrestling. He attended Delta College and California State University, Sacramento, graduating with a degree in public administration. Baxter joined the San Joaquin County Sheriff's department as a first group of cadets in 1967. He became a Deputy Sheriff in 1968, Sergeant in 1972, Lieutenant in 1977 and Captain in 1983. Baxter worked in and commanded all major divisions of the Sheriff's department prior to being elected Sheriff-Coroner-Public Administrator of San Joaquin County in 1991, a position he held with honor over 4 terms (14 years). During his 38-year career, Baxter was known for his steadfast leadership in guiding the Sheriff's Department through a period of significant growth. Widely respected by colleagues and citizens alike, Sheriff Dunn took great pride in the progress, commitment and professionalism of his staff. With their support, Baxter introduced many innovative programs, including the Community Car and Rural Crime Watch programs to support rural communities, helicopter and K-9 programs, inmate work details, computer aided dispatch, mobile computers in patrol cars, The Correctional Officer Program, S.T.A.R.S. (Sheriff's Team of Active Retired Seniors) Senior volunteer program to aid deputies as "eyes and ears" in patrol areas, and many other programs to support the safety and well-being of the community in which he was raised. Baxter is preceded in death by his parents, Temple Baxter Sr. and Lois Thomson Dunn, daughter Darcy Wynn Dunn, and stepson Zach Swan. He is survived by his loving wife Maribeth (Crawford), his children Temple Baxter III (and fiancée Cameo Heitzman), daughter Shelley (Kevin) McNary, and Todd (Stephanie) Dunn. He is also survived by stepchildren Tim (Jaci) Swan, and Emma Gordon (and fiancé Austin Sharp), along with Grandchildren, Elliott Swan, Palmer Swan, Rebel Swan, Harley Gordon, Sawyer Gordon, and Ruby Sharp. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, October 10th at 10:30 a.m. at P.L. Fry & Sons Funeral Home, 290 N. Union Rd. Manteca, CA. Live feed will be available at www.plfryandson.com search obituaries for Baxter Dunn. In lieu of flowers, at his request, memorial contributions may be made to The Sheriff's Team of Active Retired Seniors (STARS) 7000 Michael Canlis Blvd. French Camp, CA 95231. Sheriff Baxter Dunn leaves behind a proud legacy of leadership, kindness, and dedicated service that will continue to inspire all who knew him.