Dr. John Philip Baumgardt, age 93, of Cassville, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2020, at Lacoba Nursing Home in Monett, Missouri. Mr. Baumgardt, son of Robert Harold and Frieda Clara (Timken) Baumgardt, was born on August 12, 1926, in Kansas City, Missouri. John was a very dedicated son and brother; John helped his sister Martha care for their ailing father, Robert, then went on to care for her through her battle with cancer. He continued his loving care for his mother, Frieda, until her death at the age of hundred.

John began volunteering his time with the Cassville FFA Horticultural Team in 1979 where he met student Larry Westpheling. Their friendship grew throughout the years, and Larry together with his wife Kathy and their children became family to John and all grew to call him "Grandpa Baumgaurdt."

Dr. Baumgardt was "Johnny" to one special lady, his oldest and most dearest friend, Christa Hallett. He had many other friends who he appreciated and greatly treasured. John was a very active and dedicated member of the Holy Cross Lutheran Church of Cassville.

Upon graduating from high school he enlisted in the United States Army where he served his country during World War II on a reconnaissance team behind enemy lines during the Battle of the Bulge. Subsequently, he received his PhD in botany from the University of Missouri, becoming one of the top five botanists in the world. Mr. Baumgardt authored several books on horticulture, and traveled the world gathering rare plants including in the Golan Heights of Israel. His extensive knowledge of botany offered him opportunities to do garden restoration work at palaces in Europe following the war, and for prestigious families such as the Rockafellers and the Kennedys here in the states. He was a professor at the University of Missouri and served as the director of the Parks Department in Kansas City, Missouri.

Survivors include special family friends, Larry and Kathy Westpheling, of Cassville, and their children, Blake, Nic, Duell, and Deidre, and his special friend Christa Hallett.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Martha Jean Merritt.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 29, 2020, at the White Funeral Home and Crematory in Cassville, with Pastor Andrew Kennell officiating; burial to follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, Cassville.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time at the funeral home.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the White Funeral Home and Crematory, Cassville, Missouri.