Seldon Osborn Baggett

Seldon Osborn Baggett, M.D. died peacefully at his home Wednesday morning, December 10th, 2008, at the age of 96. Born March 4, 1912 in Austin Texas, he attended Austin Public schools, the University of Texas, graduating with a B.A. in 1935, and with a Doctor of Medicine from U.T. Medical School, Galveston, in 1938. His General and Family Practice was devoted to serving patients in the Austin community for 44 years. During this period he served on the staffs of Brackenridge and St. David's hospitals. Dr. Baggett served on the Medical Board of the Teachers Retirement System of Texas, and was Board Chairman for a number of years. Over the years he received many honors recognizing his contributions to the medical community. During World War II, as Major in the U.S. Army, he was commander of the 46th Portable Surgical Operations Hospital in the China Burma Theatre. The Chinese government of Chiang Kai-shek, awarded him the highest distinction for meritorious service, the "Yun Hui" award. The U.S. Army awarded him a Bronze Star. In 1939 he married Jewell Sparks; they celebrated 68 years together. To this union were born four daughters: Judy Friedberg-Nerf, Susan Baggett Edols, Patricia Adam and Barbara Baggett. Grandchildren are Sherri Cochran, Miranda O'Gorman and Paul Adam; Great Grandson is Ian Cochran. Nieces are Sydney Seavers, Pamela Wyatt, Jan Glasgow and Marsha Rechnagle; brother-in-law is Hugh Sparks. He was preceded in death by his wife Jewell, his sister Margie Recknagle, and parents Lillie and James Osborn Baggett. All family members are proud to have shared his life and are grateful at having been blessed by his love; we will miss him deeply. He was a kind and gentle man, devoted to medicine and his family. He was richly loved, and enjoyed a contented life. His daughters wish to thank those "angels" who cared for him during the last years of his life. Their devoted service allowed him to remain in the home he loved. Thank you Cynthia Arterberry, Jean James, Kannis Miles, La Juander Smith, Delores Garcia , Debbie Pearson, and the Hospice Austin team. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 13th at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar Blvd., Rev. Dr. Charles Kutz-Marks officiating. Burial will follow in Austin Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.