Hugh A. Baumgardner 1936-2009

KINSMAN - Hugh A. Baumgardner, 72, went home to be with the Lord Friday, May 29, 2009.

He was born June 7, 1936, in Cleveland, the son of Richard D. and Martha A. McPherson Baumgardner.

Hugh was a 1955 graduate of Andover High School, after which he served in the United States Army from 1955 until 1958 as a Military Police officer in France. Then he attended Kent State University and was a 1962 graduate of the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, at which time he joined the family business.

On March 7, 1964, Hugh and Ardean B. Nelson were married. That same year Baumgardner Funeral Homes expanded, so Hugh and his wife, Ardean, moved to Kinsman and began serving the community. He could be seen daily at either of the funeral home locations in Andover or Kinsman, at the monument shop, or at the Baumgardner Furniture Store, formerly located on the square in Andover. Hugh diligently served and comforted the people in the surrounding area for over 45 years and was a fourth generation funeral director.

Hugh was a member of the Kinsman Presbyterian Church for over 25 years and for over the last 20 years, has attended the Rock of Grace Family Ministries of Kinsman. He was a member and enthusiast of the Ashtabula County Antique Engine Club, and of the Mosquito Lake Power Squadron, as well as a founding member and past president of the Kinsman Area Rotary Club. Hugh served on the Kinsman Cemetery Association Board since 1967 and was a member of both the Ohio and National Funeral Director Associations. An avid boater for over 40 years, Hugh also enjoyed scuba diving, woodworking, fishing, and working with his Farmall M, but most of all he loved spending time with his family and friends. His legacy is one of service above self, compassion and unique humor.

Preceding him in death are his parents.

Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Ardean B. Baumgardner; three daughters, Kristan A. and husband, Howard Hornickel, of Washington, Pa., Pamela E. and husband, William R. Toth Jr., and Ingrid B. Baumgardner of Kinsman; six grandchildren, Kyle, Alexis and Ryan Hornickel and Jacklyn, John William Hugh, and Julia Toth; a brother, Sanford L. and wife, Carol Baumgardner, of Andover; and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Baumgardner Funeral Home, 8569 Main St., Kinsman, Ohio. Hugh's funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, with Pastor Mark Biel and the Rev. Larry Myers officiating. Burial will follow at Kinsman Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Kinsman Area Rotary Club, P.O. Box 374, Kinsman, Ohio 44428, or Rock of Grace Church, 6745 state Route 5, Kinsman, Ohio 44428.

Guestbook available at www.baumgardnerfuneralhomes.com.

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