Ethbert (Bert) S. Baumgardner

Bert (Ethbert S.) Baumgardner

Bert Baumgardner, age 77, passed away peacefully in NE Georgia Medical Center surrounded by his adored family, friends and Minister on Wednesday, January 25th. He fought a courageous battle with cancer for 18 months.

Bert was born and raised in Miami, Florida. He had a passion for all salt water activities including boating, fishing and water skiing with friends and family. He enjoyed outdoor activities with his family and was very active in the Boy Scouts and backup support for Barbara with Girl Scouts.

Bert and his family were actively involved at Miami Shore Presbyterian Church until he and his wife retired to Blairsville fulltime in 2001. Bert and Barbara attended Mt. Presbyterian Church in Blairsville.

Bert followed his Father's passion in Freemasonry and advanced through the degrees serving as Worshipful Master of Village Lodge #315 in Miami Shores, Florida in 1991. He always felt so welcomed at Allegheny Lodge #114 in Blairsville, attending since 1969 when he and Barbara fell in love with Blairsville and made it their dream retirement spot. Bert also served as Worshipful Master at Allegheny Lodge in 2008 and was considered a pillar of Allegheny Lodge serving as Treasurer for the last seven years. He treasured his Masonic memories and Brothers and encourages all men over the age of 21 to petition.

Bert is a perpetual member of MAHI Shrine in Miami and attended the Appalachian Shrine Club in Blairsville for many years.

Bert is survived by his loving wife of 57 years and childhood sweetheart Barbara. They have three loving children: son Donald Baumgardner, Sr. and his wife, Aida of Indianapolis, Indiana, son Brian Baumgardner and his wife Marie of Lynn Haven, Florida, and daughter Kimberly Hornik and her wife Kathleen Hornik of Spotsylvania, Virginia. His Sister in Law, Doris Brower of Havana, Florida. Cousins AG Sherman and wife, Miriam Sherman of Blairsville, GA.

Bert is survived by seven adored Grandchildren Donald Baumgardner, Jr, Mitchell Baumgardner, Summer Baumgardner, Emily Baumgardner, Matthew Hornik, Felipe Baumgardner and Nikolas Baumgardner and Nephew Richard Baumgardner.

Bert was preceded in death by his parents: His Father Homer Baumgardner of Miami, Florida and Mother Doris Baumgardner formerly of Miami and the last 30 years of her life in Blairsville.

He was a friend of Master Gardeners and enjoyed building and installing bluebird houses in Meeks Park, Union County Farmer's Market and several houses were dedicated to parents of Master Gardens. Bert cherished his friends throughout his life.

Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 11:00am at Mountain Presbyterian Church located at 3831 Georgia State Road 515, Blairsville, GA 30512. In lieu of flowers, if you wish, the family requests donations be made to Allegheny Lodge #114, P.O. Box 1921, Blairsville, GA 30514 in support of the Masonic Children's Home of Georgia. Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville, GA is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences on line at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com