Robert and I taught together in Iran and then he went on to teach with  my colleage Pat Peterson in Sri Lanka.  We have written several papers together and spend wonderful moments together at conferences.  Robert was an exacting scholar who made a clear difference in the lives of all those he worked with.  I will miss our phone calls and hope Robert that you are eating your favorite tamales in a sacred space. Love to all the special people in your life whom you have helped and loved. Kim Brown

Dear Dr. Baumgardner, 

I found out about your passing through facebook. A friend of mine and I took all your linguistic courses at A&M and were always fascinated by your stories about all the countries you had visited and even lived in (Iran, most precisely). We were also the ones who pulled a prank call by imitating the way northerners pronounce the word "bad". The last time I saw you was when I was about to finish my Master's degree. After that five years went by, I moved to Canada, but I often thought of you and meant to e-mail you to tell you that I had finished my PhD... but that day never came. Thank you for being a role model to me. You inspired me greatly to follow the path to academia and I am very proud to be able to say that I was once your student. Rest in peace, Dr. Baumgardner.

Dear Dr. Baumgardner, I am teaching in Taiwan now and I have just heard about the shocking and saddening news. I appreciate your teaching me at your several classes in the "PhD in English" program. I particularly appreciate your accepting my being your first dissertation advisee and helping me choose dissertation committee members. We had met for 35 times discussing my dissertation during the one and a half year when you gave me a lot of advices and correctness on my dissertation, so I could get my PhD in 4 years smoothly. I know you are already rested in Heaven peacefully and I will continue to miss and appreciate you. May God bless you and your family. Thank you very much again, Dr. Baumgardner.

Many people can say with regret that Robert Baumgardner was a colleague and a friend; someone to remember and miss. What I remember most about Robert however was his immense kindness to me in the last two years of my son's life. During those years a week rarely went by that Robert did not ask about Raymond. He was more than polite: he was compassionate, he was respectful, and he made detailed suggestions to me: small things that helped. He was not intrusive and he did not give false comfort: he was just there, always. I will never forget that. Thank you, Robert!

I took several classes with Dr. Robert Baumgardner and I am thankful to him for everything he taught me and for pushing me to look at any issue in depth and from several points view. I will always remember his witty smile and his kindness. My condolences to his family and friends

Robert was a fine person and a good colleague. It was a privilege to work with him.

I'm not going to lie - Dr. Baumgardner was a man of high expectations when it came to the quality of one's academic work. His classes weren't easy! But what a blessing that was. During my academic career I had the opportunity to take several courses with him, and I spent well more than half of the time questioning my assumptions, philosophies, and understandings in the field time and time again. Ultimately, he held me responsible for my inquiries and conclusions in a way that not many professors do. Today, I am engaging in my own career with a confidence that he helped instill. For that, I am forever grateful. He made the world a better place for many people. 
May his family find peace during this difficult time.

Dr. Baumgardner was my professor, mentor, and friend, and I learned a great deal from him.  He used to call often to check on me or to share a bit of gossip. We had some good laughs. When I would leave the country, he would give me the assignment of collecting pictures for his research. I was always on the lookout for images of English and Mandarin together, or for glossy magazines that were printed in another language with English ads. He always specified that they had to be glossy and colorful.  I will always appreciate him for his sound teaching and high standards as an educator - and for our long talks over tea or coffee and scones. I miss you, Robert. May you rest in peace.

So thankful I had the chance to learn linguistics from Dr. Baumgardner--a very wise and witty man who will be greatly missed.

Dr. Baumgardner was the sweetest man and one of my favorite professors to work for. His gentle spirit will be missed! Prayers for peace and comfort for his family and friends!

I know that Robert inspired many, many students and gave generously of his time and vast knowledge.  He was quick witted and full of surprises.  So sorry that he has passed.  I will think of him often.

Robert was a colleague who was quick to smile, laugh, and encourage others. He will be missed.

Bobby was a wonderful friend throughout high school. You could always know he was there to help, support and be a loyal friend. We had many hours of fun and laughter. Talked to him before the 35th reunion hoping he would attend but couldn't. 
Bobby was a precious friend with special memories and I was very blessed to know him.

I have no doubt anyone who ever knew Bobby will never forget him. He was surely a bright spot in my life. He was smart, funny and sensitive. Wish there had been & hope there will be more like him. The world was definitely a better place because of his existence.

Dr Baumgardner was a wonderful person who gave me courage to pursue my own dreams. He listened when my heart was full of sorrow and he gave good advice when he knew I needed it. I never thanked him nearly enough times for all he did for me.

He was a beloved professor and will be missed. We could always tell that he cared for each and everyone of his students. My condolences to his family.

Any excuse for a kaffeeklatsch with Bobby was something to look forward to. His depth of knowledge and range of life experience guaranteed I'd learn something. My life was enriched with Bobby in it. I will so miss my cousin.

It was only for a short time that I had the pleasure of being Robert's colleague in the Department of Literature and Languages at Texas A&M–Commerce, but I got to know him as a very kind, helpful, and learned man. I will miss him. Condolences to family and friends!

Precious memories how they linger...
My thoughts and prayers are with Bobby's family and friends.  He will be missed.

Ronnie, very sorry of the passing of your brother. Gosh, I remember when we were going steady in grade school, had our first date at the Uptown Theater where Robert worked. A handsome, genuine guy. He will be greatly missed. Thoughts & prayers to you & your family during this difficult time. Sorry I won't be able to attend the service. I have a jury summons. Take care, love & hugs.

My condolences to the family and friends of Bobby.  Thank you for the beautiful video of his life.  May God bless and comfort you at this time.  I enjoyed visiting with him a couple of years ago at a mutual family birthday party shown in the video.
 
Darlene (Minney) Hubbard
Classmate

Bobby was like an older brother to me, and our families grew up together in our neighborhood.  We send all our love and prayers to the Baumgardner family.
Love Charlotte (Biagiotti) Brigmon

I had several classes with Bobby from 8th grade through high school graduation. I remember him as a good clarinet player in the GPHS marching, concert, & stage bands. He kept a good grade average all through school; he was quiet & conciencous in all he did. I counted him as a friend & worthy classmate.

Condolences to the family & close friends. Bobby was one of  the kindest guys in high school.

My sincere condolences to the family and close friends of Bobby. Had classes with him all through high school and considered him a good friend. May God bless each of you as you go through this loss together.
Lora (Griffin) Thornton
Gordonville, TX

Bobby was one of my favorite friends in high school, knew him since 2nd grade...he was so much fun with his great sense of humor, so smart, and so caring.    I could talk to him about anything.    I have always missed him so much at our class reunions....always hoped he'd show up even though I hadn't  been able to talk to him since 1961..  Carolyn  Combs Vaught

My sincere condolences to the family.  I am so sorry for your loss.  May God's peace be yours.
Shirley Michaels Hirt, Yantis TX

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Dear Baumgardner Family:  All who knew Robert are saddened to learn of his passing. I, especially, am saddened.  I worked with Robert for more than two decades in Commerce, and I knew him to be a kind and gentle man who was a favorite teacher to hundreds of students. He was a superb colleague and a good and loyal friend. I will miss him. Kindest wishes.  Jon Jonz

I have known Bobby since first grade.  It was in first grade that he kissed me during recess and I was mortified! I did not connect to Bobby again till we were in high school.  He was always so kind to me (guess he was trying to make up for the kiss).  Even though I didn't see him but a couple times after graduation, I always felt all I had to do was call and he would be there for me. Condolences to the family.  I will not be able to attend his services in person but will be there in spirit.  Brenda Spinks McPhail

OBITUARY

Robert Jackson Baumgardner

July 26, 1943 – October 15, 2014

Bean-Massey-Burge Funeral Home Beltline Road

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