Ernest C. Baumgardner

Ernest C. Baumgardner, 92, of College Place passed away on Jan. 20, 2014, at Regency at the Park.

Ernie was born Nov. 15, 1921, in Forbes, N.D., to William and Marie (Coulson) Baumgardner. He was raised in his younger years in Forbes, where his father was a mattress maker. They later moved to Brookings, S.D. Ernie served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945, and fought in seven invasions in World War II. He married Dorothy Lindsey in College Place in November 1951. Dorothy had three children from a previous marriage — Jerry Groshart, Duane Groshart and Lindsey Groshart and together they had David Baumgardner. Dorothy preceded him in death in November 1984.

Ernie went to Walla Walla Business College before starting his mattress business, which was located first in College Place (now Roger’s Bakery) and then later in the Eastgate area of Walla Walla. Later, he also worked as an insurance salesman, and then became licensed as a real estate agent in Vancouver.

An avid outdoorsman, Ernie went on many hunting trips with his son David, grandsons and many friends. Ernie loved the Lord Jesus his whole life. He taught Sunday school at the Central Christian Church for many years. He loved to talk politics to anyone who would listen.

Survivors include his son, David Baumgardner of Walla Walla; step-daughter, Lindsay Henry (Del) of Milton Freewater; step-son, Jerry Groshart (Nancy) of Ogden, Utah; step-son, Duane Groshart (Cathy) of Worland, Wyo.; grandsons, Dustin Baumgardner, Chris Parsons, Troy Parsons; granddaughter, Jessica Baumgardner; sister, Mary Davis of College Place, and Sarah Nelson of Charleston, S.C. He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; brothers, Frank, Bill and John Baumgardner; and sisters, Polly Weed and Betty Baker.

A memorial service is planned for Sunday, Feb. 9, 2014, at 2 p.m. at the Herring Funeral Home, Pastor Ben Vegors will be officiating.