Retired USAF Technical Sergeant John Baldwin Eleazer of Lake Wales went home to be with the Lord on July 29, 2025, at the age of 75.
Born on August 12, 1949, in Flint, Michigan, John was the son of John William and Billie Ruth Eleazer. He graduated from Flushing High School in 1967 and attended Austin Peay University in Tennessee before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force in August 1969. Over his 20-year military career, he served honorably at McGuire AFB in New Jersey, Wurtsmith AFB in Michigan, and Charleston AFB in South Carolina, where he retired.
Following his military service, John continued to serve through civilian roles at Collin’s Vending and Ashley Bowling Lanes before dedicating another 25 years supporting the military and U.S. Marine Corps with TDS, Eagan McAllister Associates, SAIC, and Bowhead.
A man of deep faith and patriotism, John possessed a God-given musical talent and perfect pitch that brought joy to many. He considered participating in the Polk County Flight to Honor in April 2025 one of the most meaningful experiences of his life.
John had many hobbies and passions and was skilled and competitive in all of them. When his families were younger, they spent winters in bowling centers and the summers camping and boating on the lake. A talented left-handed bowler, he achieved several perfect 300 games. His most cherished pastime was fishing. His fondest memories are bass fishing on the many lakes in SC and FL with his best friends Bob and Jerry.
In his retirement years, John returned to lake life on Lake Marion in Eutawville, SC, and Lake Wales. He was elected and ordained Chairman of Deacons at the First Baptist Church of Eutawville, SC, and was a frequent soloist as a member of the praise team there until moving to Florida in 2020. He attended the First Baptist Church of Lake Wales and was a beloved member of Ed Northrup and Crystal Hicks’ life connection group.
John is survived by his beloved wife of 27 years, Robin Yoder Eleazer; his brother Alan (Vicki) Eleazer; daughters Michelle (Bobby) Eleazer Smith and Carrie (Steve) Eleazer Horstman; stepchildren Tracie Singh, Timothy (Lisa) Keuhlen, Nikole (Rob) Willis, and Kelly Antonevich; grandchildren Ssgt. Eric (Shanya) Smith, Travis (Morgan) Smith, Sydney Rodgers, Paige and Aubrey Horstman, Kelsey (Ayrro) Cabanilla, Nickolas (Ashley) Williams, Alex Godwin, and Trinton Willis; nephew Joshua (Brandy) Eleazer; great-grandson Kyden Cabanilla; numerous cousins and great nieces and nephews; and he was joyfully anticipating his second great-grandchild in 2026.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Kathy Manning Fee; nephew David Eleazer; and close friend Jerry Wahlers.
A Lee ration of life was held on Lake Wales earlier today. A second service will be held in Eutawville, South Carolina at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tampa General Hospital Kidney Donation Center or Polk County Flight to Honor.
