Gary L. “Joe” Baumgardner
Last Updated on December 11, 2024 by Cass County Communication Network
Gary “Joe” L Baumgardner, 75 of Logansport, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly Sunday evening, December 8, 2024, at his home.
Born December 28, 1948, in Huntington, Indiana, he was the son of the late Earl E and Anna A. (Dalrymple) Baumgardner.
On June 2, 1967, he was married to the love of his life, Susan M. (Patten) Baumgardner, who survives.
Joe was a 1964 graduate of Huntington High School and went on to further his education at IUPUI-Fort Wayne.
In 2015, Joe retired from Vanguard National Trailer where he had worked as a manufacturing engineer for ten years. From 1973-2005, as part-owner, Joe also served as the plant manager for National Friction Products. His work ethic was exceptional.
Professionally, Joe was honored to serve the State of Indiana for a five-year term on the Indiana Workforce Development Board. He was also a member of SAE.
A faithful servant of God, Joe was blessed with the gift of hospitality, especially when it came to cooking. For many years, he helped orchestrate meals at First Methodist Church (now Church of the Good Shepherd), even donning a chef’s hat and offering cooking lessons to the children as “Mr. Joe.” His faith was an important part of his life and most recently, he attended Delphi Methodist Church.
Joe was an avid fisherman who enjoyed bluegill, bass, and ice fishing year-round in the 1970s. Joe was one of the original founders of the Logansport Bass Hustler Club. He was also a member of the B.P.O.of the Elks #66 in Logansport.
Joe brightened the holidays with his special recipe for the best peanut fudge EVER and loved sharing it with family and friends. He adored his “bride” as he often called Susie and loved his family beyond measure. He was a man of unwavering kindness, a pillar of strength and a devoted father who leaves an enduring legacy of love and support in the hearts of all that knew him. He cherished spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren
Surviving with his wife of 57 years is his wife, Susan, of Logansport; son Scott (Angela) Baumgardner and their children: Brooke (Brad) Currie, Sydney Baumgardner and Ashley Baumgardner, son Gary (Tammy) Baumgardner and their children, Tyler Baumgardner and Trever (Karah) Baumgardner, and daughter, Michelle Baumgardner, and her children, Skylar Coldiron, Izak Mock, and Madyson Baumgardner, all of Logansport, Indiana. The blessings continued with the addition of great-grandchildren: Tate and Oakley Baumgardner, and Jaxson and Thomas Weatherwax. Also surviving are his siblings, Jeff (Connie) Baumgardner, Judy Kay Scher, Jane (Tom) Schmitt, Julie McCown, and Janice (David) Wynkoop; and his sister-in-law, Sharon Baumgardner (Garland Betz); and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, James A. Baumgardner.
Visitation will be from 4 – 7 p.m. Thursday, December 12, 2024, in Fisher Funeral Chapel, Logansport, Indiana.
A Funeral Service celebrating Joe’s life will be held at 12 p.m. noon Friday, December 13 in the funeral chapel with Pastor Todd Ladd officiating. The service will be streamed live through Fisher Funeral Chapel’s Facebook page.
Burial, at a later date, will be in Glenwood Cemetery, Roanoke, Indiana.
You may share memories and offer condolences on Joe’s Tribute Wall at www.fisherfuneralchapel.com.