Howard L. Baumgartner, 88, of Bluffton, passed away Sunday afternoon, June 10, 2018, at Christian Care Retirement Community.

Howard was born on Feb. 7, 1930, in Adams County, to John H. and Mary E. (Gehring) Baumgartner.  He married Joyce I. Neuenschwander in Bluffton on Mar. 11, 1951; she survives.

A 1948 graduate of Kirkland High School, Howard was a member of the Apostolic Christian Church.  He was a poultry and grain farmer for many years and he and his wife also owned and operated the 441 Motel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for several years as well.  He also enjoyed restoring antique cars.

In addition to his wife, Howard is survived by four daughters, Beverly (Bob) Jolloff, Mary (Len) Francesi, and Julie (Steve) Schwartz, all of Bluffton, and Joy (Brian) Tonner of Decatur; a son, Craig (Beth) Baumgartner of Albion; 14 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren; four sisters, Lillian (Kent) Sprunger of Berne, Helen Woodard of Bluffton, Anna Rose (Don) Lloyd of Clarksville, GA, and Lois (Lloyd) Tackwell of Ft. Wayne; and two brothers, Galen (Joyce) Baumgartner of Bluffton, and Gene (Elaine) Baumgartner of Syracuse.

Aside from his parents, Howard was preceded in death by four sisters, Carolyn Yergler, Delores Shady, JoAnn Harter, and MaryAnn Baumgartner (infant); and one brother, Truman Baumgartner.

Visitation will be Wednesday, June 13, 2018, from 1:00 until 8:00 PM, at Goodwin – Cale & Harnish Memorial Chapel in Bluffton.  Services will be held on Thursday, June 14th, at 10:00 AM, at the Bluffton North Apostolic Christian Church, with one hour of visitation prior to the service at the church.  John Baumgartner and Steve Frauhiger will officiate.  Burial will follow at the Apostolic Christian Cemetery in Adams County.

Memorial contributions may be made to Christian Care Retirement Community.