WILLIAM RAY BAUMGARTNER, 67, longtime local farmer and active citizen of Fort Morgan, died early Tuesday morning, March 4, 2014 at his home in Fort Morgan. Bill was born May 9, 1946 in Brush to Henry & Mollie (Sprier) Baumgartner. He married Janet Drew in Fort Morgan on January 29, 1967. Bill began farming at a very young age and he continued doing so until his ill health prevented him from working. Farming was not only just a job for him but it was also his greatest hobby. Bill was a member of the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer in Fort Morgan. He was also a member of the Sunrise Optimist Club, having served as president twice. Bill had been Lieutenant Governor of Eastern Colorado, was a past member of Fort Morgan Young Farmers where he had also served as president, and he was a member of B.P.O.E. Lodge #1143, Fort Morgan, currently serving as Trustee. Bill's greatest joy came from time spent with his grandchildren, family, and having a beer with friends. He is survived by his wife, Janet Baumgartner of Fort Morgan; his two daughters, Kelly Bridges and her husband, Scott of Broomfield, and Kisa Foster and her husband, Dan of Denver; his four grandchildren, Denver Bridges, Rocco Bridges, Asher Foster, and Ford Foster; his brother, Robert Baumgartner and his wife, Sharon of Brighton; and his sister, Shirley Bentley of Lakewood. Bill is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be Friday, March 7th at 11:00 AM at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1100 W. Platte Ave., Fort Morgan, CO. Interment will follow in Memory Gardens Cemetery in Fort Morgan. Memorial donations may be made to B.P.O.E. (Elks) Lodge #1143, P.O. Box 873, Fort Morgan, CO 80701.