Fred Dale Baum

Fred Dale Baum, 85, of Aurora passed away Thursday, June 16, surrounded by his children at Cox South in Springfield. He was a longtime community supporter and Aurora educator.
Baum was born on Aug. 30, 1936, to Roland and Emma Baum on the outskirts of Aurora. A 1954 graduate of Aurora High School, he was active in a variety of clubs and organizations. He was a charter member of the Aurora Houn’ Dawg Alumni Center Hall of Fame in 2018 and had received numerous awards from his community. He was a member of the Aurora United Methodist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Connie; and a brother, Burl Baum–all of Aurora.
Baum attended college at Southwest Missouri State. He taught industrial arts at Koshkonong, Pacific, Fordland and finally at his hometown of Aurora, he taught and coached for 22 years. He also loved being the senior class sponsor. He started a local talent show called Woodbutchers’ Follies. It was designed to showcase student talent in a variety of forms and often featured past winners and community guests. He also earned Missouri Teacher of the Year honors.
Following his retirement from public education, Baum also worked as a model for Bass Pro and Cabin Country consultant in the outdoor television industry. He was also a talented artist and loved to paint.
Survivors include one son, Dale Baum (Cindy) of Aurora, three daughters–Renee Graham (Chris) of DeSoto, Kan., Michelle Bellamy (Scott) of Olathe, Kan., and Dani Myers (Dan) of Republic; two brothers,Al Baum of Roanoke, Va., and Rex Baum of Webb City; sisters Maxine Wolfe (Bill) of Springfield; Maryann Thomas of Mt. Vernon, Judy Mooneyham (Darrell) of Aurora, and Donna Freiburger (Paul) of Aurora; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, colleagues and friends.
Services were at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 22, at Aurora United Methodist Church. Visitation was held prior to the services at noon. Graveside services will follow in Maple Park Cemetery.
The family is requesting donations for a Fred Baum Memorial Scholarship Fund. Arrangements are under the care of Peterson Funeral Chapel of Aurora.

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Lawrence County Record

312 S. Hickory St.
Mt. Vernon, MO, 65712
www.lawrencecountyrecord.com

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