Robert "Rex" Baumgartner

1939 - 2025

Robert "Rex" Baumgartner

07/27/1939 - 09/21/2025

Robert "Rex" Baumgartner, 86, passed peacefully on September 21, surrounded by his loving family. He was our hero, our storyteller, our steady rock, and the heart of our family.

Born in East Toledo, to Robert and Betty Baumgartner, Rex graduated from Waite High School in 1957. Soon after, he joined the U.S. Air Force, serving as an Air Policeman and Sentry Dog Handler in Kansas, Alaska, Africa, and Spain.

In 1963, while managing Don's Drive-In in Sylvania, Rex hired a young woman named Linda Rathbun. She became the love of his life. He joked that they were married later that year on his birthday so he would never forget their anniversary. Their 62 years together have been a living example of love, laughter, and partnership.

In 1964, Rex joined the Toledo Police Department. He started out walking the beat at Summit and Cherry, but it wasn't long before his instincts and determination led him to the Detective Bureau. Known as "Bumpy" to his fellow officers, Rex built a remarkable 43-year career. He led undercover STING operations with the FBI, helped recover millions in stolen property, and even placed undercover officers in schools to protect kids from drugs. His work earned him countless honors, including induction into the Birmingham Hall of Fame and the National Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame. Even after retiring, he continued to serve, spending another 15 years at the Lucas County Prosecutor's Office, focusing on protecting the elderly from crimes; finally retiring at 83! He truly made a difference.

As proud as he was of his work, Rex's true passion was family. He rarely missed a game or a meet, a school concert or church event, or the chance to lend a hand with a home improvement project, trapping a mole, or giving security tips to his new homeowner grandchildren. He coached youth sports in Washington Local, served and worshipped at Memorial United Church of Christ, and embraced fully his favorite title of all: "Papa Rex." His eyes lit up each time he heard it.

For over 30 years, Papa Rex made Halloween camping trips legendary. From silly costumes to spooky decorations, he poured his heart into making those weekends memorable. They became traditions that his kids, grandkids, and now great-grandkids will carry on for years to come.

Rex also loved to travel. In just the past year, he spent a month in Florida, witnessed his Buckeyes' national championship win in Atlanta, strolled through Bermuda, and traveled Michigan's U.P. over Labor Day weekend. His joy for life never dimmed.

This summer his entire family gathered as he was named a "Hometown Hero," at the Toledo Mud Hens game. That recognition, along with his Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., were reminders of just how much his service meant to his country, his hometown, and to us.

Beyond all the arrests, titles and awards, Rex was wise, told the best stories, made us laugh until we cried, always showed up when we needed him most, and taught us how to live with integrity, humor, and genuine heart.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Linda; their children, Debbie (Steve) Katich, Patti (Scott) Baumgartner-Novak, Robert (Kelli Crews) Baumgartner, and Julie (Kelly) Haskin; 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; siblings, Betsy Sendi, Charmaine Vargo, Janice Knittel, and Jim Baumgartner; and so many friends and extended family who loved him dearly.

Family will receive friends at Eggleston-Meinert Funeral Home, 440 S. Coy Road, on Sunday, September 28, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., where a celebration of Rex's life will take place on Monday, September 29, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Robert Baumgartner Legacy of Criminal Justice Fund (LCJF), P.O. Box 100, Toledo, OH 43697.

www.egglestonmeinert.com