Don James Baumgartner, “Charlie Brown”, a young 96, of Oakland Park, Florida and Toledo, Ohio passed away on Monday, May 29, 2023. He was born in Toledo to Clifford Clarence and Helen Margaret (Mensing) Baumgartner on April 13, 1927. Known for his strong work ethic, he started work early as a paper delivery boy. His keen sense of business was obvious when he bought out neighboring paperboys’ routes and even employed his own mother to assist with rolling newspapers. He was honored as an Eagle Scout and was a proud graduate of Waite High School, class of 1945. Don served in the U.S. Navy and was a true patriot. His love of the water continued throughout his life from his Trailblazer boats to his home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida beginning in the 1950s. Don was the eldest member of Bay View Yacht Club. He also held a pilot’s license and enjoyed the freedom of flying his own planes for more than 7 decades. He was well known in the area restaurant scene, beginning his restaurant career in the late 1940s with Toledo classic Don and Mel’s, with colleague Mel Berman. He was also the owner and creator of Don’s Drive In where everyone enjoyed “trigger quick service.” Malts and milkshakes were Don’s specialty, along with the Trailblazer sandwich. He went on to develop multiple franchises as well as Bummie’s Restaurant in Michigan. A Mason for more than 70 years, he also had businesses in construction and real estate. Recognized as a brilliant mathematician, even in high school, he was still e-trading at 94 until his first stroke.

   Don enjoyed traveling and visited every continent except Antarctica. He made friends wherever he went and not just among people. He loved dogs, especially Zipper, his childhood pet, to Heidi and Hans, his Dobermans. Don regularly visited Ventura’s Mexican restaurant with friends and developed his own potent margarita recipe, which he loved to make for company. He was a fun, kind, optimistic man, with a playful sense of humor. He also wanted to contribute to the betterment of humankind, setting up a Greater Good    Legacy fund at the Mayo Clinic and starting the Baumgartner Family Foundation, both of which made him proud. His generosity and genuine love of life will be forever missed.

   Don is survived by his children, Douglas (Gail) Baumgartner, Diane (Steve) Kurtz, Holly Lynn Baumgartner, Heather (Ian) Toner; grandchildren, Allison, Jeremy, Derek, Calista, Caroline, and Horatio; many other generations of family, including frequent visitors Janice & Karl Knittel; former spouse, loving companion and full-time volunteer carer, Barbara Ann Baumgartner; and countless supportive friends, including Bob & Edith Mix, Keith & Karen Tidd, Woody Hoffmann, Dean Jodry, Ron Bell, Bob Konz, Ted & Angie Sicka, Cliff & Donna Haas, Bill Hirzel, and special friends and business associates Ed Ziemianski, Eric Sommers, and Dick LaValley, Jr. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Robert Baumgartner, Ruth Stock, George Baumgartner, Richard Baumgartner, Jeanne Murphy, Jack Baumgartner; former spouse, Donna (Hager); and former daughter-in-law, Bonnie (Peavey) Baumgartner.

   Friends and family may gather to celebrate Don on Friday, June 2, 2023, from 2-8 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Avenue, Toledo, OH 43623. A Funeral Service will take place at the funeral home on Saturday, June 3, 2023, beginning at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Toledo Memorial Park. Those wishing to make a memorial donation may give a memorial gift in memory of Don Baumgartner to the Mayo Clinic or Waite High School. Online condolences may be made at walkerfuneralhomes.com.