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BORN
1948
DIED
2020
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Don Baumgardner Obituary
Springfield - With an easy smile, quiet demeanor, ability to de-construct & re-construct anything mechanical, eye for detail and lifelong curious nature, Don Baumgardner passed away October 11, 2020. Don enjoyed every day, thrived when solving a problem & whole heartedly embraced every new adventure. Born April 28, 1948 in Monett, his early years were enhanced on the family farm at Verona. Close to his grandfather's farm he loved many summers with Grandmother & Grandfather Lee, after his mother, Donna & father, Albert Baumgardner moved to Sedalia. Don was motivated to start his own "mowing" business in junior high school, which afforded him his first car & soon an Indian motorcycle. His enchantment with speed & mechanics started early and never ended! After graduation from Smith-Cotton High School, Don joined the Air Force and continued his involvement w/ mechanics adding electronics & leading him toward his final career with AT&T. In the interim, he sold electronics for HOS traveling all over Missouri & Arkansas, landed his favorite activity at Silver Dollar City, solving electronic & mechanical issues at the park and always searching for avenues to fulfill his urge to de-construct, Don grew a side business salvaging Jeeps & 4 x 4 vehicles. This activity gave him license to invest in an Off-Road Vehicle Park in Hot Springs Arkansas, where he spent days building, constructing trails and honing his off- road driving skills leading to the most strenuous cross-country off-road trails. During his 30's, Don re-united with a child hood friend and married Pam Mark - they enjoyed 39 years of marriage, lived on farms, traveled to Air Shows, Cross-Country Jamborees and endless adventures!
His enjoyment of life & all things mechanical will be greatly missed by his friends and family.
We want to acknowledge our deep appreciation for Dr. Ovais Zubair and his medical team as well as the 7th floor Comfort Care Team at Cox Hospital for helping Don move to his next all-consuming adventure. A life celebration is planned for spring when his family & friends can enjoy a reunion
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Memories and Condolences
for Don Baumgardner
Sponsored by Meadors Funeral Home - Republic Chapel.
2 Entries
William Sabo
November 23, 2023
Sorry to learn of Don´s passing. I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Don at PhuCat, AB, Viet Nam in 1970. We were together daily for several months in the ECM shop and we both rotated back the States on the same "freedom bird". After trying at various times over the years, I wish we could have made contact sooner. I´m sure he was surrounded by many friends. He was just that kind of guy you couldn´t help but feel comfortable around and enjoy his friendship. RIP, my friend.
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Mike & Shelley Vansell
October 17, 2020
So sorry to hear about Don. Prayers for all of the family are being sent.
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Meadors Funeral Home - Republic Chapel314 N Main Ave., Republic, MO 65738
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