(From Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home)Donna Patricia Baldwin, 81, of Sarcoxie, Missouri, passed away on Friday, February 14, 2025, surrounded by her family and friends in the comfort of her home.
Donna was born on June 6, 1943, in Beloit, Wisconsin, to Allen J. and Alta M. (Meade) Baldwin. She graduated from high school in 1961 in Bremerton, Washington.
In 1962, Donna enlisted in the U.S. Army, where she dedicated 26 years of service. During her military career, Donna served with distinction in various administrative and personnel roles within the Army Security Agency, a division responsible for military intelligence and communications security.
Donna’s first major assignment was as the First Sergeant of Headquarters Company at the U.S. Army Intelligence School at Fort Devens, Massachusetts. Later, she served with Company A at U.S. Army Military Command in Heidelberg, West Germany. These positions presented significant challenges, as Donna had to manage barracks shared by soldiers from multiple units. Her leadership was vital in resolving disciplinary issues and coordinating efforts between units that were not officially assigned to Company A.
One of Donna's most significant and challenging assignments came when she became the first female to be assigned to the 509th Radio Research Group during her deployment to Vietnam from 1969 to 1970. This was a groundbreaking moment in her career, as she navigated a male-dominated environment and performed duties critical to U.S. military operations in Vietnam.
She later served as the Senior Female Advisor at the United States Army Security Agency Field Station in Okinawa from 1976-1977. In this capacity, Donna played a key role in providing leadership and guidance in a highly technical and strategic setting. Her responsibilities included supervising personnel and advising commanders, a position that often demanded diplomacy and the ability to manage complex military personnel matters.
Donna’s final assignment was at Arlington Hall Station, Virginia, where she worked at the Department of the Army levels. There, she contributed to the intelligence and personnel assignment branches, playing a pivotal role in the development and deployment of personnel services for the U.S. Army. In 1985, Donna was part of a Joint Working Group representing the Army in a landmark effort to develop uniform requirements for women in the military, a significant step toward gender equality within the Armed Forces.
Donna's educational journey paralleled her military service. She pursued her education while balancing the demands of her military career. She earned her associate’s degree in 1977, furthering her education in the midst of her active-duty assignments. In 1990, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree, a testament to her dedication and hard work. Donna was an honor graduate of both the Non-Commissioned Officer Academy and the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy, the latter of which is equivalent to the Army War College. These academic accomplishments were a reflection of her commitment to excellence, and she was a role model for those who served under her.
Donna’s first major assignment was as the First Sergeant of Headquarters Company at the U.S. Army Intelligence School at Fort Devens, Massachusetts. Later, she served with Company A at U.S. Army Military Command in Heidelberg, West Germany. These positions presented significant challenges, as Donna had to manage barracks shared by soldiers from multiple units. Her leadership was vital in resolving disciplinary issues and coordinating efforts between units that were not officially assigned to Company A.
One of Donna's most significant and challenging assignments came when she became the first female to be assigned to the 509th Radio Research Group during her deployment to Vietnam from 1969 to 1970. This was a groundbreaking moment in her career, as she navigated a male-dominated environment and performed duties critical to U.S. military operations in Vietnam.
She later served as the Senior Female Advisor at the United States Army Security Agency Field Station in Okinawa from 1976-1977. In this capacity, Donna played a key role in providing leadership and guidance in a highly technical and strategic setting. Her responsibilities included supervising personnel and advising commanders, a position that often demanded diplomacy and the ability to manage complex military personnel matters.
Donna’s final assignment was at Arlington Hall Station, Virginia, where she worked at the Department of the Army levels. There, she contributed to the intelligence and personnel assignment branches, playing a pivotal role in the development and deployment of personnel services for the U.S. Army. In 1985, Donna was part of a Joint Working Group representing the Army in a landmark effort to develop uniform requirements for women in the military, a significant step toward gender equality within the Armed Forces.
Donna's educational journey paralleled her military service. She pursued her education while balancing the demands of her military career. She earned her associate’s degree in 1977, furthering her education in the midst of her active-duty assignments. In 1990, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree, a testament to her dedication and hard work. Donna was an honor graduate of both the Non-Commissioned Officer Academy and the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy, the latter of which is equivalent to the Army War College. These academic accomplishments were a reflection of her commitment to excellence, and she was a role model for those who served under her.
Throughout her career, Donna received numerous awards and honors, including:
National Defense Service Medal
Army Commendation Medals (with multiple oak leaf clusters)
Meritorious Unit Citation
Vietnam Service Medals (4)
Army Good Conduct Medal (8 awards)
Army Service Ribbon
And many more commendations.
Donna retired as a Sergeant Major in 1988, after a distinguished career that took her around the world, from the United States to Europe and the Far East. Following her retirement, Donna continued to serve her community, including working on the U.S. Census in 1990, 2000, and 2009. Due to a service-related injury, Donna was later placed on 100% disability as a veteran.
In addition to her military service, Donna enjoyed hobbies like crocheting, quilting, and traveling. She was a dedicated member of the First Church of the Nazarene and spent 206 hours volunteering to assist with the Joplin tornado cleanup. Donna was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) for 16 years, where she held several offices and served on many committees. Her passion for DAR was a testament to her commitment to honoring history and service.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Allen and Alta Baldwin, and siblings Raymond Baldwin, Helen Nickels, and Arlene Scott.
She is survived by her nephew, Kevin Nickels (Cathy) of Walworth, Wisconsin, and great-nieces and nephews Benjamin, Carolyn, Ella, and Katelyn Nickels. She is also survived by her neighbor family, Marsha Mize, Laquita Childress, Dennis & Valerie Harper, as well as many other family members and friends.
Funeral Service:
A service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 3, 2025, at Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home in Sarcoxie, Missouri. Burial with full military honors will follow at the Missouri Veteran’s Cemetery in Springfield, MO.
Pallbearers: Kevin Guinn, Dennis Harper, Don Triplett, Benjamin Nickels, Nash Eger, and Andres Salazar.
Honorary Pallbearer: Keith Garber.
Visitation: 9:00 a.m. prior to the service.
Memorial contributions can be made to Wounded Warriors or the Potter’s Wheel, care of the funeral home. Online condolences can be sent to the family via the Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home website.
Arrangements are under the direction of Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home, Sarcoxie, MO
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