William D. " Bill " Baum

Thin and lanky, always moving, with a prominent mustache and a full head of hair, Bill looked younger than his sixty-one years. This outer appearance reflected his inner youthfulness: Bill was always filled with energy and zest for life. Kind-hearted and generous, Bill loved people, the rodeo, and the Three Stooges. However, what Bill loved the most, and what was the important thing in his life, was his family, which was always there for him. William Baum was born in the beautiful Northern Michigan town of Muskegon on August 4, 1945. Although the proud parents, Fred Sr. and Viola, christened their young son "William," the nickname of "Bill" soon took hold and stuck for the rest of his life. Bill was lucky enough to already have an older brother waiting for him at home, Fred Jr. From the beginning, Bill and Fred Jr. were not only brothers but close friends as well. A year later, the Baum family was completed with the birth of Judy. Even though the two were only a year apart, Bill was very protective of his "little sister" and always looked out for her. They shared a very special bond. Fred Sr. supported the family by working at Teledyne Continental Motors, while Viola stayed at home to take care of the children and keep up the household. All three children grew up in the Muskegon area, attending the local Angel Elementary School. After completing elementary school, Bill went on to Steele Junior High and Graduated from Muskegon High School. Schoolwork did not come naturally to Bill, and he struggled for most of his high school career. Moreover, Bill spent more time working after school than studying. The Baum family struggled through the years, and Bill willingly helped out by doing odd jobs such as delivering the Muskegon Chronicle, shoveling driveways, and cutting grass - he was a real workaholic! Bill's determination and hard work more than made up for these disadvantages in the classroom. In 1966, he was very proud to walk up the aisle in cap and gown and receive his diploma. Also in 1966, Bill's older brother Fred Jr. was sent into Vietnam on military duty. In fact, both brothers had been drafted, but Bill did not pass the physical examination. Bill and his family were very worried for Fred Jr. during those years, but fortunately he made it safely home. After Bill graduated from high school, he went to work at the Campbell Wyant and Cannon Foundry, where he was employed for eighteen years. After his stint at Campbell's, Bill moved on to Engine Power Components where he worked as a janitor. Bill was an extremely generous man, and no matter how little or much he was making, he never hesitated to loan money to his friends and family when they were in need. Although Bill was a very hard worker, his job was only a small part of his active life. Bill was involved with both the Moose Lodge and the Pulaski Lodge, where he played on the baseball team. Very athletic all around, Bill especially loved baseball. He also enjoyed a good game of cribbage, and played in many state cribbage tournaments over the years. He loved fishing and had many friends. Bill never married, although he had a long-term relationship with Denise Hatt. However, Bill did not lack for family ties, since he remained very close to his parents, brother, sister, and nieces and nephews (whom he spoiled!) for his whole life. Bill, Fred Jr., and Fred Sr. were especially close, often watching sporting events together on television and going to see wrestling at the L.C. Walker Arena, local baseball games, and Detroit Tigers games. No matter where he was, Bill always brightened up the room with his boundless energy, great sense of humor and irrepressible smile. Sadly, Fred Sr. died unexpectedly in February of 1977. Bill was devastated; not everyone is lucky enough to have shared such a close friendship with their parents as Bill did. In his free time, Bill loved to unwind while listening to music, especially old country classics like the songs of Johnny Cash. He also enjoyed snowmobiling, and took trips up North whenever he had the opportunity. In 1988, due to health problems Bill had to leave his job at Engine Power Components, never to work again. This was a difficult transition for Bill, who had been a hard worker his entire life. Bill lived with his mother, Viola, and a brother, who cared for him as his health declined. However, in August of 2005 Viola was diagnosed with cancer, and died a year later. Bill was devastated, since he had had a close relationship with his mother, strengthened by the time they spent together in her final years. Bill never had to worry about his own situation, though, since his sister Judy, brother Fred, and his niece Cheryl immediately took over for Viola when she was unable to care for Bill. Despite the obstacles Bill was faced with, he never complained and remained cheerful and optimistic his whole life - it just wouldn't have been Bill if he didn't see the glass half full. On Thursday, March 15, 2007, Bill died as he would have wished, at home with family. He will be deeply missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing him. Bill's family includes his brother, Fred Baum, Jr.; his sister, Judy Buffum of Muskegon; his nieces and nephews, Taffie Dollaway, Terry Bennett, Patricia (Tom) McKeown, Cheryl Holmen, Martie Buffum, Nicki Buffum, John Buffum, and Ellis Haveman; many great-nieces and nephews; three great-great-nieces and nephews; and his friend Martin Buffum. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred, Sr. and Viola Baum. Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, March 19, 2007, at the Clock Chapel with Pastor Larry Bush officiating. Interment will be at the Lakeside Cemetery. Friends may join the family for visitation from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, as well as one hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Home, Muskegon. Please visit Bill's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book. Memorial donations may be made to the American Lung Association.