Eugene Ralph BAUMGARDNER

News Death Notice

BAUMGARDNER, Eugene Ralph age 86 went to be with the Lord, August 26th, 2013. He was born October 15, 1926 the only child of Warren and Chrystal (Yake) Baumgardner in Springfield, Ohio. He graduated from Springfield High School in 1944. He played an active part with lighting and sound system for sports and dramatics. While in high school he built an electric motor and took it to the B & M Electric Motor Co. and asked them if they would make it for him. They said they would and that he had done such an outstanding job that when he came home from the Army there would be a job waiting for him. He left soon after graduation from New York on the last ship that left for Europe at the time of World War II. The war was over shortly after his arrival and he as well as five other men was placed in charge of a prison camp. Upon his return to the States he did go to the B & M Electric Company for the job. During the building of the house he went to work for Honeywell in Dayton for 35 years in heating and air conditioning controls in Hospitals, schools, and the new International Harvester plant in Springfield. Always ready to learn more throughout those years he took classes at Wittenberg, Clark State, University of Dayton, and Urbana University. He and Irma Mustar were married in 1949, on Christmas Eve, by John Wilson at First Christian Church. Soon after, he began building their house. Their 63 years of marriage was a "strong one". Two children were born to this family Linda Dianne (Mark) of Richmond, IN. and Paul Edward Baumgardner of Springfield, OH. He attended First Christian for eighty years and was a member seventy-five years. He served as trustee for many years. Gene was a member of the Loyal Berean Class. Grandchildren are Bethany (Charles) Stofferahn of Richmond, IN; and Brooke (Jason) VanHoorebeke of Marion, IL. Great grandchildren are Ethan, Lori, Charlotte, and Kaiden Stofferahn of Richmond, IN, as well as Briar and Sadie VanHoorebeke of Marion, IL. Those who preceded him in death were his parents, a grandson Brandon Kevin Irwin, parents-in-law Dewey and Irene Call-Mustar, Sister-in-law Jeannie Click-Mustar, and brother-in-laws John and Donald Mustar. Those left to mourn his death are his wife of 63 years, his son and daughter Paul and Linda, a special friend Tom McGeean (Michele) and a special cousin, Russell (Zelphia) Arnold, a brother- in-law Thomas (Christine) and their children. As well as his Grandchildren Brooke and Bethany, his sister-in law Barbara Mustar, nieces and nephews, the First Christian Church family, and the class of Springfield High School class of 1944. A gathering of family and friends will be held on Wednesday, August 28, 2013 from 4-8:00 p.m. at First Christian Church, 3638 Middle-Urbana Rd. Springfield, OH 45501. A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. in the church with Mark Irwin (his son-in-law), David Augustus and Thomas McGeean sharing in the service. Burial will follow in the Glenn Haven Memorial Gardens. You may express condolences at www.littletonandrue.com