Eric D. Baumert, age 54, of Washington, Iowa, died Friday, November 4, 2011 at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa following complications from surgery.

Eric was born at the Washington County Hospital on July 9, 1957 the son of Donald E. and A. Jean (Patterson) Baumert. He attended Washington High School and in 1981 received a diploma from Iowa Lakes Community College in Motorcycle Mechanics. He also received a diploma from Kirkwood Community College for truck driving.

Eric worked at Perfex in Washington, Iowa before joining the United States Army. He did his training at Fort Hood, Texas. He worked for L & L Pelling and Dicky Transportation. Recently he cared for his mother until her death on July 25, 2011.

During his lifetime, Eric had many accidents! He went from a boyhood nickname, "Fat Al", to "Al", to "Fatal". Eric had best friends who always made his family very happy to meet them. Eric was a very loyal friend, brother, and son. He had a big caring heart that loved everyone. He enjoyed giving rides on his Harley, "Buford". Uncle Eric was also best buds with his great niece, Emma. He babysat her from birth. He read to her, colored, and sang ABC's and 123's. This year Emma turned four on July 4th and Eric turned 54 on July 9th. They were going to celebrate their birthdays together every year!

Eric is survived by three sisters, Gwen of Washington, Iowa; Karen of North Liberty, Iowa; Sara and husband Ira of Iowa City; two brothers, Mark and special friend Lynn of Washington, Iowa; Tracy of Washington, Iowa; ten nieces and nephews, Leslie (Thyen) Schaver and husband Aaron; Laura (Thyen) Jones and husband Anthony; Bryan Baumert; Nathan Baumert; John Starr; Emily Baumert; Abraham Wall; Patricia Wall; Rachel Baumert and Hannah Wall; nine great nieces and nephews, Keenan Thyen; Kolten Thyen-Pennington; Ian Schaver; Levi Baumert; Evan Schaver; Rashawn Thyen-Jefferson; Cedric Baumert; Emma Baumert; D'Anthony Thyen-Jefferson, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and loyal friends.

Celebration of life services will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday, November 13, at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home. Visitation will begin noon Saturday at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 2:00 – 4:00 Saturday afternoon. Interment with military honors conducted by Washington American Legion Post 29 will take place at Elm Grove Cemetery. A general memorial or memorial of donor's choice has been established. Online condolences may be sent for Eric's family through the web at www.jonesfh.com .