Edward Galen Baringer

Edward Galen Baringer, affectionately known simply as Ed, Dad, Papa Ed, or Pops, was born on November 12, 1949, in Whittier, CA, USA. With a life brimming with adventure, love, service, and resilience, Edward's journey came to a close on October 3, 2025. He was a man of immense character and endless mirth, whose days were spent in the pursuance of joy, love, and giving. He was a man who reveled in traveling, camping, hiking, gardening, and snorkeling. He was a master of capturing life's precious moments through photographs of his family and friends. Edward's light-hearted fun pranks brought laughter and joy to those around him, and his dedication to helping others was a testament to his generous spirit.
In the words of Maya Angelou, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Edward's life was a living embodiment of this quote. He served in the Army with great distinction, rising to the rank of SP5, equivalent to Sergeant (E5). His bravery and dedication were recognized with numerous accolades including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (2 campaigns), Army Commendation Medal, Combat Medical Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Parachutist Badge, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, and Good Conduct Medal (3D AWD). His last overseas assignment was in Germany, but during his service, he lived in various places like Hawaii, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and Germany. After military service, he joined the National Guard and was stationed in Hawthorne, Nevada. His journey continued in San Diego, California, and Houston, Texas, where he retired after 26 years of service at Continental Airlines, later United Airlines.
Edward's life was full of love and he was fortunate to share it with many. He was widowed by Kathy Baringer, and is survived by his son Raymond John Forest Baringer and daughter-in-law Belitha Baringer, daughter Rachel Lorine Baringer and son-in-law Eric Wiley, grandchildren Alexis Baringer, Marissa Christensen Wiley and grandson-in-law Brady Wiley, Sunny Christensen, Wills Christensen, Khaleem Baringer, and Indonesia Baringer. Step-sons Bredo Christensen, Brent Christensen and step-daughter-in-law Robyn Christensen, and Lisa Christensen. Great grandchildren Camron Goss, Tripp Wiley, and Mila Wiley. Also, mother of his child and close friend Jacqueline Mary Baringer as well as his fiance Donna Schultz. Edward was preceded in death by his mother Alice Lorine Liming, father Raymond Alexander Baringer, wife Kathy Baringer, son Theodore Michael Keaka Baringer, brother Jack Baringer, and step-daughter-in-law Cindy Christensen. He was also preceded in death by his father, Edward Johnson, and mother, Barbara Liming Bartolo.
A memorial service to celebrate Edward's life will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 2:00pm CST at the Darst Funeral Home, 796 Russell Palmer Rd., Kingwood, Texas, 77339. To honor Edward's memory, we invite all who knew and loved him to share your stories, memories, and photographs on his memorial page. As we remember Edward, let us reflect on the words of Kahlil Gibran: "To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die." And indeed, Edward's spirit lives on in the hearts of those he touched.