Harold Baum

Harold Raymond Baum of Ozark, Missouri went to sleep in the arms of God in his home June 26, 2019.

Harold was born August 3rd, 1938 in Ord, Nebraska to William and Mary Baum.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Elvin Baum, and Evelyn Nell.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Shirley E. Baum; his brother, Ernest Baum (Spring Hill, Kansas); and his children, Mary and her husband Jim Jackson (Springfield, Missouri), Patricia and her husband Mike Whisler (Willard, Missouri), Ann Vunovic (Springfield, Missouri), Becky Baum (Ozark, Missouri), Matthew Baum and his fiancé Terra Lamb (Springfield, Missouri). He was blessed with seven grandchildren, Lindsey Payne, Jason Whisler, Bryan Whisler, Brianne Duvall, Jordan Jackson, Hope Williams and Spenser Williams. He was further blessed with six great grandchildren, Brooklynn Schweighauser, Emmitt, Ila, and Millie Whisler, Sloane and Collins Whisler.

He was a devout Catholic his whole life and served for 37 years at St. Joseph’s Church (Springfield, Missouri). Due to his dedication to his faith, and church family, he humbly served in many church activities, such as Lector, Eucharistic minister, and RCIA. His proudest achievement in his service was creating the church’s food bank. This was a passion project of his which began in the late 80’s serving peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to a handful of families, and with his leadership has grown to a thriving food service pantry providing meals for over 200 families per week.

Harold had a lifelong career in the grocery business at all levels. He began as a clerk at Poor Boys as a teenager and by the age 26 had become the youngest manager at Ramsey’s Supermarket. He went on to own his own stores before transitioning to Associated Wholesale Grocers where he was brand manager for their private label. He retired in 2005. Over his 50 years in the grocery business he amassed many friends and colleagues who respected and loved him dearly.

His first love outside of his faith, was his family. There was nothing he cherished more than spending quality time with his family. He was very charismatic and drew many to him with his easy-going nature and warm smile. He loved to laugh and had an ornery side. He gave as good as he got and would relish the opportunity to razz his friends. Of all his personal traits, his humor was perhaps his defining characteristic. He loved (and hated) his Cardinals and he was most often found watching a game in his man-cave with his dog, Freddy; bird, Mr. Quigley; cat, Stella; and any family member who was nearby. He was also an avid football fan, cheering on his beloved Chiefs as long as they were winning. He also enjoyed golfing, watching boxing and basketball, and any car related shows he could find. He was frequently sighted entering a casino lobby (the results of which will remain undisclosed).

He was a pillar for his family and provided a stellar example for how they should lead their lives. His generous and loving nature will be sorely missed by all who knew him, family and friends alike.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 pm Monday, July 1st, 2019 at Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home, 500 E. Walnut Street, in Springfield, Missouri.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 am Tuesday, July 2, 2019 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1115 N. Campbell in Springfield Missouri with Reverend Karl W. Barmann, OSB celebrating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to be made to Ozark’s Food Harvest in memory of Harold Baum. All donations made in his name will be directed to the St. Joseph Food Pantry he loved.

Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com