Mr. Joshua N. “Gator” Baumgardner, 39, of Altona, Illinois died 4:45 p.m. Saturday, March 6, 2021, in an automobile accident on U.S. Highway 34 near Wataga, Illinois.
He was born August 23, 1981, in Galesburg to Ronald L. and Patricia A. (Ryden) Baumgardner.
Surviving are his parents, Ronald and Patricia Baumgardner of Galesburg, four sons, Logan Nathaniel Baumbardner of Altona, Zachary Shambaugh of Lafayette, Illinois, Bradley Tomlin of Woodhull, and Nicholas Woodside of Galesburg, a daughter, Rebekah Irene (and Javon) Motley of Petal, Mississippi, a sister, Erica Baumgardner of Galesburg, his fiancé’, April Dawn Christensen of Canton, Illinois, her children, Levi, Olivia, and Lucy Hinds of Canton, the mother of his children, Krista Shambaugh of Casner, Illinois, his grandmothers, Sheryl Steagall, Joyce Norris, and Marlene Ryden of Galesburg, two grandchildren, JaNiyah Motley and Jacelyn Motley, and a nephew River Lee Yard of Galesburg. He is preceded in death by his grandfathers, Ronald Baumgardner and Richard Scott Ryden, and a grandmother, Jodi Banks.
Gator graduated from Galesburg High School in 2000. He worked for the Packing House as a dishwasher. He then worked for E&I Audio for 16 years as an installer. For the last seven years, he has worked for B.N.S.F. as an electrician. He was the president of the I.B.E.W. Local 452 Union. Josh was a handyman that always had a project. He enjoyed working on cars and collecting guns. He had a passion for music and was a gifted musician. He loved spending time with his son, Logan, building model train tracks.
Visitation will be 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Friday, March 12, 2021, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. Due to guidelines associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing and facemasks will be required. A private service will be Friday, March 12, 2021, at the chapel. Chaplain Jordan Knight will officiate. Those wishing to attend the funeral “virtually” may watch the live broadcast at 6:00 p.m., Friday on the funeral home’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Hinchliff-Pearson-West-Funeral-Directors-and-Cremation-Services-160333664037824. Cremation will follow the service. Memorials may be made to the family to assist his children. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
