Mr. William Francis Baum's Obituary
William “Bill” Baum passed away at his home on Friday, August 1, 2014. He was 93. A beloved father, husband and friend, he was a generous, self-made man with a wonderful sense of humor. His family and friends cherished him as a character who loved to meet people, tell stories and jokes, and share his knowledge of history and the United States.
He is survived by daughters Nancy Economy, Marjorie Mugavero, Carol Lee Oliver and son Chuck Baum and their spouses, his brother Richard, eight grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, great grandchildren and close friends. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Verna, parents Marjorie and Harold Baum and his brother Harold S. Baum.
Bill was born October 2, 1920 in Kansas City, Missouri, and grew up there with his two brother and later moved to Glen Ellen, Illinois. He graduated from Glen Ellen High School and worked his whole life as a traveling salesman, including more than 40 years for Frei Borel wholesale jeweler suppliers in Oakland.
Bill served in the Coast Guard in World War II, and after his service, he and his first wife had three children. He moved to California in the 1940s where he married for a second time to Verna Nash Watt, who had a daughter. Bill and Verna were married more than 50 years, and lived all of that time in Oakland and San Leandro. Together they traveled and had many friends and interests. They were loyal fans of the Oakland A’s baseball team and were members of the “Acorn A’s “ Model A Ford car club. Bill was also a member of the Glen Ellen Masonic Lodge #950.
Bill will be greatly missed by his family and friends. No services will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charity of your choice.
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