Paul Richard Baum

BAUM, Paul Richard
(Age 92)

Paul passed away March 13, 2011 at Cornerstone Court, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 7, 1919 in Fairview, Oklahoma to Paul C. and Mamie R. Baum. The story about his birth that he was known to re-iterate from time to time, was that due to a very severe blizzard the doctor, Dr. Speck (the first female doctor to practice in that part of the country) had to travel by horse drawn sled to reach the farmhouse where he was born. His re-iteration always included the statement "that it was indeed a night to be remembered." The family moved to Carthage, Missouri where Paul started grade school. He would later graduate from high school in Sarcoxie, Missouri. During WWII, Paul served 38 months in the Army Air Corps as a Sgt. with the Headquarters squadron of the 4th fighter group. Thirty four months of his service was at Debden airdrome in Essex County, England. Paul worked as an office manager for 30 years for J.G. Shotwell, Inc. A Seattle based concrete aggregate company. They processed material for large concrete structures, primarily dams. They worked on projects in Arkansas, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, California, Montana and on several major dams in the Pacific Northwest. In the mid 1970's Paul started Maaco Auto Painting in Spokane, a business he subsequently sold in 1979. Paul liked to fish, hunt and play golf and was a member of the Manito Masonic Lodge, as well as the El Katif Shrine. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and four sisters. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years Clarine, son Andrew (Brenda), their children, Gregg, and Kaitlyn and son Edward (Sandra), and their twin daughters Courtney and Cynthia. Special thanks to the loving caregivers at Cornerstone Court, Avalon Health and Rehabilitation Center, the doctors, nurses and staff at Holy Family Hospital, Horizon Hospice, Spokane County EMT's and AMR personnel who were so kind to Paul and the family. In lieu of flowers please donate in Paul's name to the Salvation Army, Horizon Hospice or Shriners Hospital. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 19th at 2:00 PM at Sunset Chapel in Fairmount Memorial Park, 5200 W Wellesley, Spokane, WA.