Robert M. Baumgartner

Robert “Bob” Baumgartner, 63, of Lafayette, Indiana, passed away on Friday, August 29, 2025. He was born on November 28, 1961, in East Chicago, IN to Lawrence John and Shirley Olevia (Tilton) Baumgartner. He is survived by his children, Andrew Baumgartner of Charlotte, NC; Micah Diaz (Daniel) of Anderson, IN; Sydney Baumgartner (Adam Gregurich) of Romney, IN; and Nathan Baumgartner (Jenna Demko) of Romney, IN; his granddaughter, Coraline Diaz; as well as his brother, Larry Baumgartner (Londa) of Port Charlotte, FL; his sister, Sharon Dayhoff (Scott) of Longwood, FL; and nephews Patrick and Brendan Dayhoff. He was preceded in death by his mother, Shirley, and his father, Lawrence.

Bob grew up in Hammond, IN and graduated from Hammond High School in 1980. He married Tamara Ness on May 18, 1985, with whom he had two children, Andrew and Micah, and she survives. On April 7, 2001, he married Trudy (Freeman) Baumgartner and had two children, Sydney and Nathan, and she survives.

At the age of 25, Bob graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy on July 7, 1987, and began his career as a police officer with the Lafayette Police Department. He served honorably as a Patrol Officer and later as a Sergeant throughout his 28 years of public service with LPD.

His children all remember him best for his unconditional love and support of their varying endeavors. He specialized in Dad jokes and long comforting bear hugs. He enjoyed spending weekends at the motocross track and telling countless stories. He was always able to make those around him laugh. Bob will be missed by his friends, his former colleagues, but most of all by his family.

Visitation will be from 2:00 pm until the time of the Celebration of Life service at 4:00 pm on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd.