Tom Bauman, 59, of Olney, died Tuesday, February 21, 2012, at his much loved “Pond House” with his wife, Marilyn, and sister, Patti, by his side.  Services at Summers-Kistler Funeral Home in Olney. A private family graveside service with Minister Larry Weber officiating. At Tom's request, cremation rights were accorded.

Tom was born October 6, 1952, in Olney. He was the third son of William and Berta (Travers) Bauman. He married Marilyn Inyart on May 6, 1979. They started their life together with their daughters, Nikki (Bauman) Stauffer and Christina Sechrest. Tom spent many years working in the oil field with his father and brother. Tom was a lifelong resident of Olney, leaving only while he was stationed in Fort Polk, La., while serving in the National Guard, and then headed to work in Australia building radio towers for Sam Miller for six months.

Beginning when he was a young boy, he took everything apart only to try to put them back together. His siblings mention that their childhood home was without doorknobs because of this passion. This led him to his lifelong hobby of restoring antique cars, the faster the better. As his boyhood friends tell it, days were spent getting into mischief and as adults, his friends would say the same thing.

Tom and Marilyn developed land, built rental properties and managed storage units. They were never far apart. He spent his spare time enjoying car shows, working on his antique cars, camping, going to the races, or relaxing at Pond House and spending time with his two granddaughters, Ansley and Britton who adored PaPa.

We all knew that Tom was a loved friend and family member and at his passing we are reminded again of their love. He was loved by many and will be missed by all. Thank you for the memories.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Marilyn; father, Bill Bauman; daughter, Nikki (Bauman) Stauffer and husband, Mike along with granddaughters, Ansley and Britton Stauffer, of Nashville, Tenn.; stepdaughter, Christina Sechrest, of Olney; and nieces, Tarrah Cunningham, of Hampton, Va., Amanda Harmon, of Kansas City, Mo., and Morgan Mayberry; and nephews, Ben Bauman, of Chicago, Brandon Cunningham, of Olney, and Brandon Mayberry, of N.Y.C. Tom’s siblings are Mike Bauman and wife, Barbara, Susie Mayberry and husband, Rick, and Patti Harmon and husband, Rick, all of Olney.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Berta (Travers) Bauman, and infant brother, William Frederick.  

Memorials may be made to Advantage Hospice or American Cancer Society

Published in Olney Daily Mail (IL) ~ February 22, 2012