Paul Robert Baumgart

After a courageous 2 year battle with esophageal cancer, Paul Robert Baumgart, age 69 of Danville, IL/Vail, AZ, took his final trail ride from this earth on Tuesday, January 17, 2017, at his home in Vail. Paul was born on March 21, 1947, in Danville, IL to Robert and Ruby (Smith) Baumgart. He attended Danville High School and William Jewell College before serving in the U.S. Army 12th Infantry 4th Division. After his tour of Vietnam, he returned to Danville and completed his apprenticeship through the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 538. Paul loved his family and cherished time spent with children and grandchildren. He was an avid trail rider and enjoyed traveling, camping, and riding new trails around the country. He had a big heart for all animals, especially for his special horses, dogs, and cats. He entertained family and special friends with his sense of humor and unique imagination and always surprised and encouraged those around him with his positive outlook on life. Paul will be incredibly missed by his wife, Rhonda, and his children, John Baumgart, Mark Baumgart, Michelle Noggle (Kevin Lacey), and Jason Finley (Mandy Holycross). He was very proud of and made many special memories with his grandchildren, Logan Noggle, Ashley Blodgett, Ethan Blodgett, Landen Noggle, Kailie Holycross, and River Lynn Finley. Paul is survived by his siblings: Bobette Compton, Jim (Susie) Baumgart, Mary Cottle, and his sister and brother-in-law, Joyce and John Gourley. He enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephews as well as many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. A celebration of Paul's life will be held on Tuesday, March 21, 2017, which would have been his 70th birthday, from 4-8 pm at Sunset Funeral Home at 3940 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations for local animal rescues and shelters will be accepted. Please join Paul's family in sharing memories, photos, and videos of his life on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com. I have known the day would come When the final trail you'd ride To leave this earth and all of us And cross the Great Divide I hoped we'd ride that trail together Many years down the road But this was not in our Lord's plan And he has loosened up your load So kick old Charlie and let him run You've finally been set free And sometime later, we'll ride again My love, my cowboy, just you and me