John Baldwin

Johnny (John) Ray Baldwin was born June 10, 1954, in Hot Springs, S.D., to Lee and Margery (Brendmoen) Baldwin. He was raised in Custer, S.D., as the fourth of five siblings. From a young age, he had a strong connection to the outdoors and enjoyed trapping, hunting, and playing sports throughout his childhood.
After graduating from Custer High School in 1972, John married Colleen Tennyson. Together they welcomed two sons, Mike and Brian, and later divorced.
In 1975, John joined the United States Air Force and was stationed in Texas and California. Following his military service, he worked in Alaska, where his appreciation for wild places deepened.
In 1984, he returned to school to pursue his passion for wildlife and conservation. He earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Wildlife Biology from the University of Wyoming, which led to a rewarding career as a district ranger with the U.S. Forest Service. Over the years, he had the opportunity to manage and protect National Forests across Alaska, Idaho, Nebraska, Nevada and Oklahoma.
After retiring in 2017, John relocated to Río Negro, Colombia, where he enjoyed tending to his fruit farm and exploring the culture and natural beauty of his new home.
John passed away Feb. 24, 2025, in Río Negro, Colombia, following a brief illness. He was 70.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and three siblings, Janeane, Chuck and Corliss.
John is survived by his two sons, Michael Baldwin (Heather) of Rapid City, S.D., and Brian Baldwin (Erin) of Westminster, Colo.; his grandchildren,  Paige, Matthew, Maddie, Emily, Noah and Merryn;  his great-grandchild, Emilio; his sister, Carmen Anthony of Sioux Falls, S.D.; and many nieces and nephews.
John was laid to rest in Marinilla, Colombia, on March 15, 2025. A private family gathering to remember his life will be held in Custer at a later date.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen.