Donald E. Baugher, Jr, 76, of La Porte, Indiana passed away Monday, December 21, 2020. 

 

He was born on December 5, 1944, in Warsaw, Indiana to Donald Sr. and Carol (Blackford) Baugher. Don is survived by his wife, Angela; their children, Robin Smith of New Carlisle, Aaron Baugher of Willits, California; grandchildren, Skye & Ella Smith, Nivek Holloway, Olivia, Athelea, and Rain Tobar; and brothers, Calvin (Kathy) Baugher of Warsaw, Indiana, and Randy (Laura) Baugher of Rochester, Indiana.

 

In 1963 Don graduated from Warsaw Community High School.  After graduating he joined the U.S. Air force.  He was stationed at Fort Campbell, Ky where he was an air traffic controller. He then was stationed in Thailand also as an air traffic controller during the Vietnam War.

 

On September 26, 1965 he married Angela Sensibaugh.  They were married 55 years.

 

He went on to finish his undergraduate degree at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN.  Indiana University Bloomington was his next stop where he went to Law School.  

 

Don began practicing law in LaPorte in 1972 with Osborn and Lanigan, later Osborn, Lanigan, Roule, and Baugher.  Through the years he was dedicated to the city and county of LaPorte.  He served many positions over the years including, county attorney, solid waste attorney, Chief Deputy Prosecutor for LaPorte County, and LaPorte County Fair Board.  He finished his career as the city attorney.  He served under mayors, Dennis Smith, Kathy Chroback, Leigh Morris, and Blair Milo. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in La Porte.

 

In 2012 he retired.  He and Angie traveled extensively fulfilling their bucket list.  Don was a well-loved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend.  Any morning he could be found downtown having breakfast and coffee with an array of friends.   Many mornings he would meet with two or three different groups while wearing his signature red hat. 

 

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana.

 

Those attending are asked to wear a mask and social distance.

 

Please share prayers, condolences and memories with the family at Essling Funeral Home.com.