William Leroy Baumgardner

William "Bill" Leroy Baumgardner of Warsaw, Indiana passed away on Sunday, January 25, 2026, in the care of Miller's Merry Manor or Warsaw at the age of 97. A life well lived, full of family and friends, Bill will be dearly missed by those that loved him.

He was born on March 7, 1928, in Warsaw, Indiana to Nina P. (Riggins) Baumgardner Atkins and Marshall Francis Baumgardner. Bill was married on the 4th of July 1947 at the young age of 19 to his lovely bride, Peggy Shane Huggins. They were blessed with 63 years marriage before Peggy passed away on November 29, 2011.

Bill proudly served during World War II and was honorably discharged in 1946 with the rank of Seaman First Class. He enjoyed spending time with his brothers as a member of the American Legion Post #49 and V.F.W. 1126 both of Warsaw.

Having lived most of his life in Warsaw, Bill dedicated 35 years working for United Telephone Company installing switch-boards. Peggy and Bill moved to Lake Placid, Florida in 1986 where they enjoyed the Florida warmth for 35 years. Throughout their marriage they always enjoyed taking adventures together, they even rode their motorcycle from Nova Scotia to California. A member of the Gold Wing Club, Bill loved the simple pleasures in life-farming, hunting, and fishing. When he wasn't outdoors, he was likely trying his luck at the casino, watching a classic western, or passing time with a game of computer solitaire. Above all, Bill cherished his family, and they created countless, lasting memories together on many wonderful cruises.

He will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Nancy Guyse (Warsaw, IN); son, Brad (Cindy) Baumgardner (Arizona); ten grandchildren, twenty-five great-grandchildren and seventeen great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Peggy, two daughters, Judith Schooley and Yolanda Bussard, sons-in-law, Jim Guyse and Brian Schooley, great-grandson, Skylar Dutton and his sister Frances.

Bill's life will be celebrated with a service at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, Indiana and officiated by Envoy Ken Locke. Family and friends may visit prior to the service from 11:00 - 1:00 p.m. A graveside service will follow at Oakwood Cemetery of Warsaw, Indiana with military rites conducted by members of the American Legion Post #49, V.F.W. #1126 and active-duty members of the Navy Honor Guard.

Memorial donations in Bill's name may be directed to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.