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Mark Baughman Obituary
Baughman passed away on July 15, 2014, at the age of 57. Born in Loveland, Colorado, Mark moved from Anaheim, California, to Texas in 1976 on a track and field scholarship at the University of Houston, where he was the 1976 National Junior Discus Champion, 1979 NCAA Indoor Shot Put Champion, 1978 and 1979 All-American Discus Thrower, and 1979 and 1980 All-American Shot Putter. After graduating, Mark stayed on as assistant track and field coach for the team until 1991, and since 1992 he taught elementary physical education at Galena Park ISD.
Mark was a loving caregiver to his parents, Robert and Doris Baughman, until their deaths. He is survived by his wife, Darla; sons Matthew and Christopher; sisters Carol Simas (Johnny) and Jan Baughman d'Aymery (Gilles); and brother, Doug (Beth Holiday). Mark was deeply loved by his family and adored by his students, and he will be missed tremendously. Private services were held.
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Memories and Condolences
for Mark Baughman
Sponsored by The Baughman Family.
Garwin Parker Jr.
September 23, 2024
This man here was one of a kind. He was my PE teacher at north shore elementary school in 2011. Can´t believe it´s been 10 years since he´s been gone. God bless him and his family
Richard Stewart
July 15, 2024
I fondly remember my best friend and roommate during my U of H days...
I am always reminded of this gentle giant and his unique character...
July 30, 2019
Thinking about Mark today. I can't believe it's been five years since he left us. I realized that I never posted this after sending it out to our mutual friends after I had heard the news:
We all knew Mark as the laid-back Gentle Giant who always had the quick wit and sarcasm with that subtle touch of California cool," but who also had a heart of gold. He was a truly unique guy and always left one feeling upbeat whenever you happened upon him. The world's a little less laid back now that he's gone because he took with him a whole lotta cool!
Mark took me in under his wing my freshman year at UH back in '78 and was the big brother that I never had. He was a dear friend and mentor to me. He instilled in me what it took to really think and train properly and how to get into the zone" to be a competitive thrower beyond the college level. But, more importantly, he exemplified just how to live and enjoy life and not worry about the monetary riches so much as the riches of doing what you love to do! His throwers credo Easy Far (also on his license plate of his classic '65 Ford Ranchero he squeezed himself into) was one that his training mates all embraced, but we all knew that to get to that point, Mark trained like a maniac!
Mark was my training partner/strength coach from '78 through '91 and there's no doubt in my mind that he pushed me way beyond the boundaries that I had set for myself to levels that I never thought possible. He had his own special way of conveying hit the big one that I always looked for just before a big competition or max day and was always there smiling with his trademark PR (mini) handshake when I did "hit the big one. I know I'm not the only kindred spirit reading this who feels this way. He influenced a good many athletes that are going to miss him as much as I do and for the same reasons. A great deal of what I learned (training wise) from Mark I've passed along to the athletes that I have coached over the years and, whether they know it or not, they have and will keep a part of his spirit alive.
Mike Collins
Shawn Rial
June 10, 2016
Coach. I just found out today. God bless you and you're family! Thank you for a lifetime of memories.
Arthur McDanel
July 4, 2015
I is coming up on one year since Mark left us. It is still hard to believe. I knew Mark and the boys through Boy Scouts. He was truly a great, gentle person. I have many fond memories of him on all of those camping trips, and as a groomsman at my wedding. I think of you often, it always puts a smile on my face. Rest in Peace, Mark.
Tanya Smith
September 8, 2014
Mark's wife Darla was my roommate after college and a good friend. When she met Mark I was so happy for her. Mark was such a good guy and great husband and father. You will be missed Mark.
August 11, 2014
Mark you will be missed. Prayers go out to the Baughman family.
Vyckie - UH.
Denise Murff
August 6, 2014
I taught with Mark and he taught my daughter. He was a great educator and a terrific person. He will be deeply missed at GPISD!
Charlene Macawili
August 5, 2014
Eternal rest grant unto the soul of Coach Mark Baughman (caring teacher, loyal friend, responsible father and loving husband)and let His perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. *Our prayers and sympathy to Ms. Darla Baughman and family
Gloria Vasquez
August 4, 2014
I will always remember Coach Baughman as a caring and influential educator. I had the honor of working with him at North Shore Elementary.
James Hansel
August 4, 2014
I was on the track team with Mark back in 1977-78. He was a wonderful human being. May he rest in peace.
J Starr
July 29, 2014
Mark was a very dear brother-in-law and we miss him very much. I will never forget his kind manner and sweet smile.
Mark & Darla
July 26, 2014
Doug, Carol, Mark, and Jan
July 25, 2014
Chris, Mark, and Matt
July 25, 2014
Blow Gun
July 25, 2014
Mark & Jan
July 25, 2014
Richard Stewart
July 24, 2014
I made an entry already but I feel it insufficient at this point. Mark and I started our relationship as arch rivals in high school. We fought back and forth to lead CA state in the discus our senior year. Who knew we would both end up at the University of Houston where we still remained competitors but became best of friends. Mark and I were nearly inseparable during those years.
I think God directed us both to UH and gave me my relationship with Mark as a gift. I haven't had many truly close friendships in my lifetime but Mark was one of them. I am deeply saddened but will always cherish the memories. Mark was a gentle giant, intelligent, insightful, giving, and a blessing to all who had the privilege to know him.
I will miss you Mark.
Mark & Richard Stewart in the old weight room
Richard Stewart
July 24, 2014
Chris Meuchner (UH Track '77-'81)
July 23, 2014
One of the UH all-time greats. What a great guy and what a loss. I remember him so well; quietly laughing, mini-finger clap, offering tobacco dip. He was there in the beginning to help Coach Tellez usher in the post-Johnny Morris modern UH Track and Field Era.
Every leader needs good people in certain key positions for them to be successful. Coach T had that person in Mark. Mark was a born leader. He was very supportive of his teammates, even all us yankees. He wasn't much for talk; he just loved to work out and practice. And what an all-round athlete-throwing was just what he loved. I remember we all used to play basketball, jump from the rafters into the pole vault pits, hunt pidgeons and doves, and table tennis back in the old stadium. What memories.
The world has lost a kind and gentle person. God bless and keep you Mark, and deepest sympathies to your family.
Yemi Owolabi
July 23, 2014
I am saddened to learn about the passing of Mark. I appreciated his many contributions and the manner in which he impacted many of our lives on the team. My prayers go out to his family.
Jim Howell
July 22, 2014
So sad to hear about Mark's passing. He was the best at everything he chose to do. He will be missed. Prayers to his family.
Yvette Cash
July 22, 2014
So sorry to hear about Mark. He will be missed; Great coach!
Jim Robinson
July 22, 2014
Mark was a great friend and coach. He was really good at communicating how things felt during the throw and understood the mind of the athlete. He was always great to be around and really helped to elevate others. He will be really missed! My thoughts and prayers to his family.
David Odom
July 22, 2014
I am so sorry to hear this and my heart goes out to the Baughman family. I was just a skinny walk-on distance runner back in the late 70's at UH when I met Mark and he was always so nice and friendly around me. He was such an honestly nice guy.
Oscar Bauman
July 22, 2014
As a former Cougar I always am sad to hear of a passing.. I did not know Mark. But I knew his accomplishments and legacy. I kinda felt a bit of a relation since I as well was a Bauman.. Just spelled a tad different. Sad of his passing but grateful to read all the wonderful thoughts about this great man
Michael Self
July 22, 2014
Mark was an incredible athlete. I met him my first year at Fullerton JC, he had already gone on to the University of Houston. However, when back in So Cal he always trained with the FJC throwers. He introduced me to Skoal - I remember sitting with him and talking about throwing and training. I am shocked he is gone, but his spirit will never be gone.
Jason Court
July 22, 2014
So sad to hear of Marks passing. He was such a laid back, sincerely nice coach and influence to me when I arrived in Houston in 82'. I have very fond memories of him from those times, and Im deeply saddened to hear this news. Obviously far too early to leave us.. Thoughts and prayers to your family.
Clint Butler
July 22, 2014
Sympathy goes to the Baughman family for the loss Mark. Mark was a guy I looked up to in College. He was the kindest coolest guy and always made you feel better about yourself after spending time with him. Mark will be missed.
Clint Butler U of H Track 81-84
Dave Parrington
July 22, 2014
So sorry to hear this sad news. I was a diver on the UH teams from 78-82 and coached at UH from 83-90 and remember Mark fondly as an outstanding man. My condolences to his family.
Coach Tellez's Retirement Party 10/17/98
July 22, 2014
Fudpuckers-PKA Rope Pull Champions'78
July 22, 2014
Mark Baughman'79
July 22, 2014
Mark Baughman-Texas Relays '79
July 22, 2014
Mark Baughman-Fall'78
July 22, 2014
Mark Baughman '79
July 22, 2014
Mark,Mike,Rich,Kerry&Chris-Winter'78
July 22, 2014
Mark,Rich,Tim,Rick&Chris-Texas Relays'79
July 22, 2014
Mark Baughman-Savoy Party #1-9/80.jpg
July 22, 2014
Fudpuckers-PKA Rope Pull Champs-1/79
July 22, 2014
Isauro Alvarado
July 22, 2014
We are sadden to hear about his passing. He was such a good man and always very friendly. He will be missed dearly. My thoughts and prayers to the family.
Lorinda Bocardo
July 21, 2014
I am so sorry to hear about Coach Baughman's passing. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Patricia Gomez
July 21, 2014
I'm so sad to hear about Coach Baughman's passing. It was a pleasure working with him at NSE. The family is in my prayers.
Carmen Reyes
July 21, 2014
So sad by the news of Mr. Baughman's passing.
My deepest sympathy, May the Lord grant you strength and peace during this difficult time.
Someone so special...can never be forgotten
Marquetia Christensen
July 21, 2014
Mark was a friend to everyone he met. He was always taking care of others. I can not count the number of times he sat and talked me though life's tough times. I am still in disbelief. Darla, Matthew and Christopher please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I will cherish every memory I have of Mark. He was a one-of-a-kind type of guy. I will miss him dearly.
Carla Templeton
July 21, 2014
My heart is heavy right now. I was shock when I just learned of coach's passing. My condolences go out to his lovely wife Darla, and the Baughman family. I enjoyed working with coach Baughman and getting to know him while at North Shore Elem. He will be greatly missed.
Irma Ruiz
July 20, 2014
I was deeply saddened by the news of Mark's passing. He will live on in our memories forever.
Ricgard Stewart
July 20, 2014
My heart is saddened at the loss of a dear old friend and competitor.
Sarah Graham
July 20, 2014
I am in shock. Mark was such a good friend to me. He also was so supportive in my toughest times. My condolences to Darla who he called the "love of me life" and his boys who he endlessly bragged on. I have lost one of my dearest friends.
Ashley Robbins Berry
July 20, 2014
My deepest sympathies go to the extended Baughman families. Such sad news. May you all take comfort in your happy memories of a most wonderful human being, truly one of life's good guys.
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