Bernard Robert Baumgardner, 93, passed away on November 14, 2014. He was born August 2, 1921 in Frederick, Maryland, to the late Bernard Roscoe Baumgardner and Roberta Valentine Kennedy Baumgardner. He grew up on West Patrick Street and graduated high school from St. John's Literary Institute. In August 1943, Bernard married Betty Arminta Reeder, who passed away in June of this year, and they bought a home on Trail Avenue in Frederick where they lived for about 70 years. They had six children, all of whom are surviving. They are Patricia Elizabeth Crum and husband Wayne of Frederick, Bernard Robert Baumgardner, III, of Spokane, WA, Linda Louise Gilbert of Frederick, Rosemary Ann Baumgardner of Baltimore, Brian Thomas Baumgardner, and William James Baumgardner and wife Jane of Frederick. Also surviving are grandchildren: Gwendolyn E. Eckenrode and husband Kenneth, Kenneth E. Crum and wife Wanda, Randy W. Crum and wife Leissa, Helen Baumgardner, Bernard R. Baumgardner IV and wife Angela, Ryan M. Gilbert and wife Lori, Alyssia A. Turner and husband Dustin, and Melody Baumgardner; several great grandchildren, one great-great granddaughter and several nieces and nephews. Bernard is also survived by one brother, Robert H. Baumgardner and sister-in-law, Margaret "Mimi" Baumgardner. He was the oldest of 4 children and his brother, Thomas J. Baumgardner and his wife Lucille and sister, Martha R. Baumgardner, predeceased him. Bernard's life revolved around providing for his family and his various sports, namely, hunting, fishing and tennis. Bernard was an avid fly fisherman, hunter, and tennis player. He played tennis into his 90s, participating in various tournaments in Maryland and Virginia. He was extremely proud of successfully earning a National tennis ranking in his 70s, 80s and 90s. He was one of the original sponsors of Frederick's J. Richard Ramsburg Tennis Tournament. Bernard was employed by the U.S. Postal Service for 38 years and was a staunch union man, holding several positions during that tenure. He was fortunate to be able to retire at the age of 58. He held as many as 3 jobs at the same time to support his family. He was a lifetime member of St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church and served as an usher there for over 60 years. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge 684, American Legion Post 11, Fraternal Order of the Eagles, U.S. Tennis Association, and the National Rifle Association, among others. He also enjoyed reading and listening to classical music, especially opera. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8pm, on Monday, November 17, 2014, at the Keeney & Basford Funeral Home, 106 E. Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 3:00PM, on Tuesday, November 18, 2014, at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, 118 East Second Street, Frederick, MD 21701. Father Kevin Farmer will officiate. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Frederick. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to St. John the Evangelist R.C. Church, 116 East Second Street, Frederick, MD 21701. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.keeneybasford.com.
