Gary William Baumgardner, 92, of Perry, OH (formerly of Latrobe, PA) passed away Sunday, February 25, 2024, at UH Cleveland Medical Center from natural causes.
He was born March 9, 1931, in Lewistown, PA to Carl Baumgardner and Evelyn Haller Baumgardner Yetter. On March 3, 1952, Gary married his high school sweetheart, Rose Marie Minsker, in Hagerstown, MD. Gary served in the United States Marine Corp from 1951-1954 and was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds sustained on December 19, 1951, in Central Korea. "Heroes walk amongst us every day. We just need eyes to see them." After honorably serving his country, Gary graduated in 1958 from Shippensburg State Teachers College (now Shippensburg University) with a BS in Education.
A lifelong educator and always a scholar, Gary retired from Clearfield High School in Clearfield, PA in 1987. After retirement, Gary and Rose traveled, eventually living in some of their dream locations. They lived life together to the fullest. Gary enjoyed the outdoors and passed on his love to his children. He took them camping and fishing, creating lifelong memories. He was a student of the game of football, having coached at high school and semi-pro levels. However, he was most happy surrounded by children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Gary is survived by wife Rose Baumgardner at home; children, Mark Baumgardner (partner Joseph Greco) of New Hope, PA, Bradley (Lynnanne) Baumgardner of Perry, OH, Gregg and Joy (Baumgardner) Swatsworth of Clearfield, PA, and Kenneth and Beth (Baumgardner) Bloom of Hernando, FL; grandchildren, Kurt (Jayme) Baumgardner, Joy (Logan Stroup) Bloom, Kara (Brandon Scheel) Baumgardner, Amanda (Rob Manns) Bloom, Charles Bloom, Hannah (Ben) Bloom Stevenson, and Gracee Swatsworth; great grandchildren, Abra Stalker, Charlotte Stroup, Stella Scheel, Maggie Scheel, Aidan Baumgardner, and Benjamin Manns; siblings, Beatrice (Ronald) Dewees of Biglerville, PA, Sharon (Dennis) Shoop of Bainbridge, PA, Carl (Louise) Baumgardner of Elizabethville, PA, and JoAnn (Steve) Bristline of Blain, PA.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl Baumgardner and Evelyn Haller Baumgardner Yetter; sister, Patricia M. Baumgardner Harnish in 2019.
In accordance with his wishes, no visitation or services are scheduled. A celebration of Gary's life will occur at a later date.
In place of flowers, the family suggests donations in Gary's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital online at www.stjude.org/donate
Lake Erie Cremation and Funeral Services, 1500 Harpersfield Road, Geneva, Ohio assisted the family with arrangements.
www.LakeErieCrematory.com