Douglas John Baumgartner

Douglas John Baumgartner, 81, died peacefully on April 28, 2024, in his home, in Jackson, AL.

     Doug was born on June 16, 1942, in Waterloo, Iowa. He was the oldest of four children born to Irene and Neal Baumgartner. Doug earned his bachelor’s degree in Fishery Biology from Iowa State University. Doug worked in Fish and Wildlife Management for 30 years. Locally, he worked as the Manager and Wildlife Officer at Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge. 
On October 27, 1962, Doug married Kay Frances Otto Baumgartner in Nevada, Iowa, and together they had four children. Doug worked for the Federal Government with the US Fish and Wildlife Service. With each new job assignment at a fish hatchery or wildlife refuge, a family move was required. Before moving to Jackson, Alabama, Doug and his family lived in Savannah, GA, Corning, AR, Frankfort, KY, Brevard, NC, Edenton, NC, and Marion, AL.  
     It was his calling to become a protector of nature and its wildlife inhabitants. He loved his job and all it entailed. He had countless stories of Eagle re-population projects, duck banding, sea turtle nest protection, and even fish re-introduction projects. He protected the refuge wildlife as an officer of the law. He was a loving, devoted husband as well as an understanding and gentle father. Above all, he was most proud of being a patient and fun-loving grandfather of six.  He was a long-time member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Grove Hill, AL. Some of his hobbies included fishing, hunting, hiking, and traveling.  He loved seeing the Fall Foliage, Texas Longhorns, Horse Racing, and Mardi Gras.
     Doug is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Kay Frances Otto Baumgartner, their three sons; Timothy Douglas “Tim” Baumgartner (Lynn), Todd Alan Baumgartner (Tanya), Anthony Neal “Tony” Baumgartner, and one daughter; Teresa Kay “Tracey” Baumgartner Arrison (William).  Doug is also survived by two sisters: Jane Wirtz-Feldpouch (Mike) and Jean Homan (Roger), several nieces and nephews, and 6 grandchildren: Cynthia Arrison, Alex Baumgartner, Rachel Arrison, Courtney Baumgartner, Regan Baumgartner Sharpe (David), and Brock Baumgartner. 
     He is preceded in death by his father: Neal Myrle Baumgartner, mother:  Irene Marie Baumgartner, and brother Roy Henry Baumgartner.
He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.     
A Celebration of Life will be scheduled to be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

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