The Blackfoot Following the loss of its owner, beloved community member Gary Baumgartner, on July 30th, a longstanding Blackfoot business will permanently close its doors at the end of the month.
For many years, Blackfoot Paint and Glass, located at 795 W. Bridge Street, has been a mainstay in the neighborhood. After determining that no one was available to replace Gary’s specialized job in project management and bidding, Baumgartner’s wife, Alice, and daughter, Frannie Crumley, made the decision to shut down the company.
No one has expressed interest in continuing the firm, according to Crumley, although some have expressed interest in buying the facility for other purposes.
Crumley claimed his Dad was the one who actually kept the company operating. Simply said, no one else was capable of handling that.
The establishment dates back to 1973, when Wynn Beebe and Ed and Alice Tauscher founded Ed’s Paint Store and Ed’s Painting Contractor in Blackfoot.
In 1980, Gary bought the store from his uncle, Ed Tauscher, and has been running it ever since. Blackfoot Paint and Glass, which serves both residential and commercial projects, developed from the retail side over time. The business storefront Gary constructed for O Dell’s Furniture in Blackfoot was one of his specialties.
RELATED: Obituary of Gary Baumgartner
According to Alice, Gary loved people and being active in the community outside of work. He was an avid golfer.
And he did it well. All of my pals say that, Crumley continued.
In addition to being involved in business, Gary Baumgartner was also involved in the community. He volunteered with hospital boards and civic organizations, served as president of the Blackfoot Chamber of Commerce in 1992, and was a skilled golfer who won the George Von Elm tournament in 2003 and the City of Blackfoot men’s championship in 1986.
Blackfoot Paint and Glass is having a closing deal with 20% off everything as they move forward without Gary. The transaction includes filing cabinets, fittings, and furniture.
Crumley advised educators to inquire about free samples of carpet and flooring for their classrooms.
Until closure day, the store will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Crumley and Alice conveyed their sincere appreciation to the community for their decades of assistance.
“Knowing how many people loved my dad is humbling,” Crumley added. He was unique; he was always smiling and joyful. He left them in a better state than when he arrived. We miss him terribly.
