William Edward Baumgartner

William Edward “Bill” Baumgartner, age 80, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2026.
He was born on July 4, 1945, in New York. Over the course of his life, he lived in California, Missouri, and Illinois, and spent his final years in Merced, California, surrounded by a community he loved.
Bill proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War from 1965 to 1971. He was stationed aboard the USS Forrestal and survived the tragic fire aboard the ship. After receiving an honorable discharge, he continued serving the military community at the Naval Air Rework Facility (NARF) in Alameda, California, where he worked faithfully until its closure in 1997.
Bill was kind, silly, endlessly forgiving, and full of life. He loved bike riding and running marathons, completing ten over the years.
He was deeply devoted to his children and grandchildren, and his greatest joy came from simply being present with them. He had a rare gift for making others feel welcome, comfortable, and valued. He talked to everyone and could turn a simple moment into a friendship. His home was often the gathering place for neighborhood kids, many of whom came to see him as a second dad.
Bill also had a heart for those who were struggling. Through Celebrate Recovery, he openly shared his own journey of recovery from alcohol so others would know they were not alone. He also ministered to men in prison, offering compassion, hope, and the belief that a new life was always possible.
He is survived by his children, Kat, Jennifer, Lori, Angel, Kayla, Grace, and Eli; his grandchildren Taylor, Jadyn, Kamryn, and Theo; and his siblings Jane Yocum, Dan Murray, and Mary Kennedy.
Bill’s service to his country and his community will be honored in perpetuity, and he will be interred at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery.
Bill will be remembered not for what he had, but for the countless lives he touched with kindness, humor, and an open heart. He will be deeply missed