James "Les" Baumgartner

James Leslie “Les” Baumgartner, 92 of Walnut, died Friday, March 05, 2021 at Heritage Health in Walnut.

Les claims to be Walnut’s oldest resident, having been born, raised and planted his roots in the small town. He was born on December 27, 1928, the son of Howard and Esther (King) Baumgartner. He married Peggy Jean Sabin on April 18, 1948 in Walnut. She preceded him in death on March 29, 2002. He worked with Gail Stone and then with Al Balagna until beginning his own business, Baumgartner TV. He owned and operated the business for 54 years alongside his wife, Peggy, who was the bookkeeper/secretary. He was a 58 year member of the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ in Walnut and also served as a Deacon, Elder and Trustee. He was a past member of the Walnut Masonic Lodge for 50 years, the Grade School Board, the Walnut Business Association and the Green River Country Club Board.

Survivors include his two sons, Steven (Sandra) Baumgartner of Dixon and Larry (Sandy) Baumgartner of Walnut; his daughter, Lori (Rick) Egan of Walnut; sister, Jane Harris, brother, Verden (Barb) Baumgartner; six grandchildren, Tara (Nate Bryant) Baumgartner, Kelli (Brad) Thompson, Sara (Josh) Huskey, Katie (Josh) Summers, Erica (Grant Domenz) Egan and Derek (Tiffany Bruessard) Egan; ten great grandchildren, Braedon, Ryken, Brek, Brady, Hunter, Tanner, Adalyn, Vivienne, Maeve and Rahyana; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; two grandsons, Dustin Egan and Ryan Baumgartner; brother, Kenneth Baumgartner; and numerous in-laws.

Cremation rites have been accorded with the Garland Funeral Home in Walnut. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Heritage Health and Rock River Hospice and Home. 

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