Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Robert Bauman Obituary
June 29, 1935-March 30, 2016
Chapel Hill
Col. Robert Douglas Bauman, 80, of Chapel Hill, died Wednesday afternoon, March 30, 2016, after a brief illness.
Robert Bauman, founder and president of BEAMCo of Chapel Hill, was in business in the construction trades for nearly 45 years. He was a graduate of Catonsville (Md) High School in 1953 and an Eagle Scout with Catonsville Troop 309. After graduating from Bucknell University where he studied engineering and graduated with a degree in mathematics, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army Corps of Engineers. After active duty, Bob remained in the U. S. Army Reserve program and retired as a full colonel. Bob did graduate work in mathematics at American University, then graduated with a master's degree in Engineering Administration from George Washington University. In 1973, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recruited Bob to join the agency as a scientist and manager at its national air pollution research facilities in RTP, NC. For the next 22 years, Bob served as a manager with the EPA and retired in 1995.
He was a licensed contractor in electrical and mechanical, plumbing, commercial refrigeration, residential, institutional, and commercial heating and air conditioning. Bob made a positive impact on the hundreds of lives that he touched and mentored which is the true measure of a life well-lived. He was a loving husband, father, brother and grandfather. He was loved and respected by many and will be missed incredibly.
Bob was predeceased by his parents: Paul and Alma Bauman and loving wife Audrey Clem Bauman. He is survived by daughters Stacey Bauman of Virginia and Susan Bauman Smith, and her husband Josh Smith and granddaughter Sophia of Chapel Hill, as well as sister Bette Bauman Rittinger, nephew Scott G. Rittinger and niece Kristin Rittinger Zado all of Boulder CO, and by sister-in-law Joyce Hickey, nephew Jason Hickey and niece Cindy Gregory. Also, his loving and faithful dog Lucy will miss him immensely. Numerous friends, especially fellow members of American Legion Post 6 in Chapel Hill, remember his contributions. There will be a celebration of life at the American Legion Post 6 in Chapel Hill on Sunday, April 10, 2016 at 1pm. In lieu of Flowers, please send donations to American Legion Post 6 for Boy's(and girls) State Funding.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Bauman
Sponsored by Neil Sullivan.
Neil Sullivan
April 9, 2016
Every now and then the Universe blesses us with a human life that is so exceptional it defies comparison and leaves the lucky few of us who got to know that person incredible perspective and faith in humanity. Bob was that guy. Get some rest my good friend. I'm not sure you ever took the time for that while you you were with us.
Betsy Ross
April 8, 2016
I first met Bob when our heat stopped working in freezing temperatures on Thanksgiving Day! With two small children and elderly grandparents in the house, of course he came out to help us! I made sure he ate a plate of our family favorites because he immediately felt like family to me! We all became good friends with Bob over the years. I enjoyed hearing him speak so lovingly of Audrey, his children and granddaughter. I have never seen a man as generous of spirit as Bob Bauman! I could see the twinkle in his eye as he mentored all of the young men of whom he was so proud. There have not been many as fine as this man! He is a true inspiration to all! My deepest condolences to his beloved family. Carry on that twinkle of the eye for Bob!
Ray Maxson
April 8, 2016
I am sure US Army Engineer Bob has already touched the lives of all his friends - hats off to bob's Life.. Ray Maxson -US Army Engineer.
April 8, 2016
April 7, 2016
I was very saddened to hear of the death of my cousin, Bob Bauman. He was certainly a special person and it was gratifying to hear so many people write about him in such glowing terms. He and his sister Betty were favorites of mine as we grew up in Catonsville as the "8 cousins". It was always a treat to be with Bob at his house and at the family gatherings. His expertise in many things showed up early as he was the first to amaze us with the newest devices: Tape recorders, the Polaroid Camera, the Movie Camera, 45 and then 33 1/3 rpm records, and great sound systems. We benefitted from his knowledge and enlightenment , but also his sense of humor and good nature. His legacy will live on in all those he touched.
Thanks to those of you who were such fine caregivers and love to all the family.
Cousin Barbara Hoot Stanton
Lake Junaluska, NC
Francine Raymer
April 7, 2016
My sincere condolences to Bob's family & everyone at BeamCo. All of us at Pi Beta Phi will miss Bob & are grateful for all of his help & expertise over the years. A true gentleman. I feel blessed to have known him.
Lucy Davis
April 6, 2016
Bob was a really nice person and an amazing problem solver for all mechanical problems. My condolences to his family.
Ken Redman
April 5, 2016
Anyone who knew Bob knew he was the most giving and helpful man around. I met him years ago when Cisco Mayse(also deceased) brought him to my business to help fix an old gas pack A/C. Since then everyone who's reading this knows what Bob did for us. We all know he was a spiritual kind soul who would help people if he could and was one of the few angels alive on earth and I will miss him and think of him often.
Susan Lindholm
April 4, 2016
Our heartfelt condolences to all of Bob's family ~ Rest in gentle eternal peace Bob, your smile will be so missed and always remembered
Savon Briggs
April 4, 2016
Susan and family our condolences to all of your loss. We will miss seeing him going in and out with his dog.
David and Anne Cole
April 4, 2016
Anne and I send our prayers and sincere condolences to Susie, Stacie and family. I had the pleasure of knowing your dad while he was at EPA. He was an outstanding engineer and problem solver both at EPA and BEAMCO. Your dad was so patient and kind, a gentleman in every sense of the word. We will miss him.
Pat Trotter
April 4, 2016
Condolences to the family on Bob's passing. I have been close friends with his sister Bette for many years and know how much she cared for him. Rest in peace Bob.
Eric Ginsburg
April 4, 2016
I knew Bob as both a respected EPA colleague and a highly regarded HVAC professional. His curiosity and persistence made him an effective diagnostician and inveterate tinkerer. We will miss him greatly.
Bianca Mashorokoto
April 3, 2016
may your soul rest in peace bob.you were good to me from the day i met you and i know you are happy with audrey now.love and will miss.tell audry i hope she is not putting up sticky notes in heaven.you will be sorely missed
Pete and Gael Jaeger
April 3, 2016
Our condolences to Stacey, Susie, Josh and other family members. Bob was indeed a friend, not just for his wealth of biz knowledge which was limitless, but for his undying loyalty to those he befriended. Our family is grateful for having grown and known all the Bauman's for so many years - Bob was a man who gave much to many and asked very little if anything in return - I know I speak for Gael and myself as well as the local Legion Post where he was a literal Savior - RIP friend and Comrade!
April 2, 2016
My sincerest condolences to Bob's family. His impact on this community is immeasurable and due to his incredible intelligence and willingness to help others, he will be long remembered. I'm privileged to have known him, called him a friend and received so much of his help.
Phillip Suitt
Electrical Inspector, Town Of Chapel Hill ( Retired )
Judythe Dingfelder
April 2, 2016
Bobby was my best friend. He had the kindest heart and had lived a most interesting life. He saw the best in everyone and always had a positive outlook on life. He will be missed by so many and remembered for always.
Evelyn & Justice Manning
April 1, 2016
Dear Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Bob's death. I was one of his staff during the 70s at EPA. A finer gentleman I have never met. He was an excellent supervisor as well as a good person. He and I have maintained sporadic contact over the years. You have my wife's and my sympathy during these harsh times of grief. May a Loving Creator provide you the comfort and strength that you need during these lonely hours and days ahead.
Justice A. Manning
Coco Fink
April 1, 2016
I will be keeping Bob's family and his guys at BEAMCO in my prayers. Bob was a terrific man and business man. Our sorority, Kappa Kappa Gama, will miss him greatly. I will miss him as a friend and mentor as he showed me what being a caring boss and ethical business owner is truly about. We will miss Lucy coming on service calls. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Coco, Kappa Kappa Gamma
Mike Hoffer
April 1, 2016
Bob was one of the greatest guys I've ever known. It was an honor to have known him. He was the smartest guy that anyone has ever known in the HVAC, electrical and plumbing trades. He was always available for a question or to help out in an emergency. The entire Chapel Hill community will never have another one like him. He was a true hero for many, many people.
jimmy smith
April 1, 2016
Dear family Bob was one of the greats .
I will miss working and learning with Bob.My prayers go out to his family.
Jimmy Smith R.E Michel Co.
Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results
Make a Donation
in Robert Bauman's name
Memorial Events
for Robert Bauman
How to support Robert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Robert Bauman's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
