Our kind and loving Dad, Ret. MSgt, Don Baughn, 75, passed away on Saturday, August 6, 2022, in Springfield, Missouri. He left this world peacefully and comfortably, surrounded by family and filled with love.
Dad was born on November 16, 1946, in Bridgeport, TX. He was the second of 6 siblings to Willard and Clemmie Baughn. Following graduation from Mountain View (MO) High School in 1964, he joined the Air Force and proudly served our country for 20 years. After retiring in 1984, he joined the Angelo State University Police Department and again put in a full career, retiring from that position in 2004.
Dad married our beautiful mother, Rita Clark, in San Angelo, TX In December 1968. They raised three children, Annette, David, and Russell in a modest, loving home. Together, they represented a traditional and safe family life. They set outstanding examples for us on love, compassion, integrity, acceptance, and forgiveness. Each of us children keep these examples close to heart as adults.
In 1980 Dad became a single father when his precious wife passed away. He always had the well-being and best interests of us children at heart as he met this challenge with grace and integrity. In 1992, Dad entered the highlight of his life when he first became a grandparent. He mastered that role in the most gentle, loving, and fun way!
After retirement Dad spent many years splitting time between Texas and his childhood home in Mountain View. Ultimately, he decided to again set up permanent residence in his hometown. His wish was to create a place where his children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends could come to enjoy each other and enjoy the beautiful country that he was blessed with throughout his life. He succeeded in this wish beyond his imagination!
Indeed, his was a life well lived.
Dad was preceded in death by the love of his life, Rita. Also, by his parents, Clemmie and Willard; two brothers, Delwin and Richard; and his sisters, Carol and Lynn.
He is survived by his brother Charlie. Also, by his three children and their spouses: Annette and Dennis, David and Cathy, and Russell and Trina.
Additionally, Dad leaves behind 12 grandchildren and their significant others: Chelsea and Michael, Garrett and Joann, Ashley and Dallas, Stefanie and Justin, Cory, Derrick and Tina, Michael, Darby, Brandy and Lance, Steven and Jeanna, Ryan and Megan, and Leslie.
Dad was an outstanding “Gramps” and “Grandpa Don” to them as well as the 24 great-grands (with one on the way) and two great-great grands.
He is survived also by many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
The family sincerely thanks the Doctors, Nurses and Staff of the 3E ICU at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, MO. We were blessed with their top-notch professionalism, their tremendous compassion, and their gentle care of Dad. Their support for our family went beyond expectation and we will always be grateful.
Graveside services with full military honors will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, August 13, 2022, in Harlow Cemetery, Mountain View, Missouri, under the direction of Yarber Mortuary, Mountain View. Pallbearers are his son, Russell; his brother, Charlie; his son-in-law, Dennis; and his grandsons, Garrett, Michael, and Justin. Honorary pallbearers are his grandsons, Derrick and Darby.
In lieu of flowers, Dad requested that donations be made to your favorite children’s charity.
