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Christopher Baughman Obituary
of Louisville, Kentucky died peacefully at home on Tuesday morning, December 20th after a lengthy illness.
Chris was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on June 7, 1966. He was a lifelong resident of Louisville and a graduate of St. Xavier High School. He attended Georgia Tech Institute of Technology and graduated from Bellarmine University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics/Actuarial Science.
Chris's entire business career was spent in the manufacturing and selling of industrial coatings. He was the Vice President of Mid America Protective Coatings Corporation of Chicago, Illinois until illness brought an end to a successful career.
Above everything else in life, Chris loved his children David Blair, Alexis, and Jake. Nothing brought him greater joy than a trip through Europe with David Blair and Alexis, or countless trips to Disney World or Great Wolf Lodge with Jake.
Chris began following the Louisville Cardinals with his family as a youngster, and his dedication never wavered. While still in high school, Chris had the dubious distinction of fainting during a a last-second shot in a 1983 NCAA Tournament that sent the game into overtime. Later in life while traveling by plane for business or pleasure, he often found the means to connect to a game and enjoyed keeping fellow fans up to date at 30,000 feet.
Chris loved putting his math degree and his knowledge of statistics to work at the parimutuel windows of Churchill Downs. He was safely escorted to his car with his Pick 6 winnings more than once.
Chris was a five time Past Master of Harrods Creek and Crescent Hill Masonic Lodges. He was a member of the Louisville Scottish Rite, 32nd degree KCCH, and Past Wise Master, Louisville Chapter Rose Croix. He was a member of Kosair Shrine Temple and Royal Order of Jesters, Louisville Court #131. He was also a member of Louisville York Rite and Big Spring Country Club.
Chris was the devoted father of David Blair, Alexis Taylor, and Jacob Tyler Baughman. He was the beloved son of Sue Baughman and David Baughman, each of Louisville. He will be greatly missed by his younger brother Jason Baughman and Jason's daughter, Brette, also of Louisville. He was loved by many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is also survived by his former wife and the mother of his children, Shari Baughman.
Funeral Service will be at 9 A.M. Friday morning at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 501 Cherrywood Road, with burial to follow in Cave Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3 to 8 P.M. Thursday at Pearson's, 149 Breckinridge Lane. There will be a Masonic Blue Lodge Service at 7:30 P.M. Memorial gifts may be made to Kosair Charities.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Baughman
Sponsored by The Courier-Journal.
January 19, 2017
I am so very sorry that I have just heard yesterday about Chris's passing. I tried to get it into my head, but decided, that in my mind he will always be on this earth, happy and laughing. "Memories are windows through which we can see our loved ones whenever we want". - Unforgettable, that's what you are. My deepest sympathy to parents and children. See you someday up there in heaven, Chris.
December 24, 2016
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. May the God, who 'binds up the broken hearted' and 'comforts all who mourn' sustain you during this difficult time (Isaiah 61: 1, 2). With our sincerest sympathy, ---ERJ
Barry Meadow
December 24, 2016
I never met Chris Baughman--but I wish I had. He loved horse racing, and once told one of the great bad-beat stories of all time.
I had read the story on a racing site years ago, and thought it was so unusual that I wrote it in my notes about racing for a future book, and just googled him tonight only to learn the sad ending to his too-short time on earth.
It was 1990, years before players had video access to horse races from distant tracks and could bet on races from across the country. Bay Meadows, a long-gone California track, held a regional stakes program called the Final 14, which featured seven qualifying races from around the nation, with the top two finishers from each getting to compete in the final race for $250,000. At the Turfway Park qualifier, well, let Chris pick up the story:
"The track had a huge speed bias that day. A horse named Allijeba closed about thirty lengths, against the bias, to lose by a nose. It was one of the most impressive races I had ever seen.
"By some miracle, I was sent to Los Angeles on business a month later. I went early so I could spend a Sunday at Santa Anita. The Final 14 was being run that day from Bay Meadows, and it was being simulcast to Santa Anita. Much to my delight, Allijeba was being sent away at over 30-1. I swung for the fences. I bet Allijeba to win and place, and boxed him in the exacta with the favorite, Affirmed's Image.
"As the crowds at Santa Anita huddled around the small monitors, Allijeba made a bold move from last to first and won by two lengths. Affirmed's Image ran second. I was looking at the biggest score of my life.
"Suddenly, the inquiry sign lit up. Soon afterwards, Allijeba's number was pulled off the board. Not for interference, but for a reason that even today seems unbelievable. It turned out that the jockey, Ricky Frazier, weighed in at 124 instead of 126. The horse was declared a non-starter and my wager was refunded."
My sincere condolences to his family.
Williams family
December 23, 2016
My condolence on the loss of your love one. May you focus on the many beautiful memories you shared together. Numbers 6 : 24-26
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December 23, 2016
So sorry for your loss. May these word from our Heavenly Father bring you comfort. Jeremiah 29:11,12.
Wendi Waltrip Shufflebarger
December 22, 2016
To The Baughman's,
I was so sorry to hear the news from Paul Flynn just yesterday. I have so many fond memories of get-togethers with your family and friends, and I know this loss will be felt by many. I'm sending prayers of peace to you for the days ahead.
Wendi Waltrip Shufflebarger
Jody Kinney
December 22, 2016
Dear Mrs. Sue, Mr. Dave, Jason and the rest of the Baughman family,
Though time and distance separated us since then, during the two years we were at Tech and the FIJI house together Chris became one of my most treasured friends.
He was always kind and generous, eternally cheerful (at times annoyingly so), and unfailingly loyal to his friends. He had a rare child-like enthusiasm that he hopefully never outgrew. He was quick to overlook one's mistakes, but never forgot a favor.
He was always willing to give advice to "young bucks" like me, even though a lot of it was terrible advice since he wasn't really much older or any wiser than we were (and usually he had been drinking just as much as we had).
He was one of the most outgoing people I ever met, which made him a natural as a bartender. He loved bartending at PJs - even though it probably became a major factor in him leaving Tech.
He was a natural salesman. He could talk most anyone into most anything. Resistance was futile. ("No, no, no... you're looking at this all wrong...")
Anytime music became a topic of discussion, he would subject anyone within earshot to a mini-sermon on how Gary Moore was the greatest guitarist who ever lived... no matter how many times you had already heard it.
On the basketball court, he had no conscience as a shooter. He could miss ten shots in a row (which he did with some regularity) and the next time down he would still launch a 25-footer. ("I figured I wasn't shooting from far enough out.")
He drove that silver Toyota he had back then like it was a Formula 1 car.
If you were his friend, when you walked into a room he didn't just greet you - he announced your presence like your arrival was the highlight of the evening. ("JO-HODES!!!!")
And there was his unforgettable laugh... which, Chris being Chris, you never went more than two minutes without hearing if you were around him. (Love the obituary photo. Just looking at it makes me hear him laugh.)
Even after he left Tech, we managed to have a few great adventures: meeting him in Knoxville for the 1987 Tech-Tennessee game with Jason; the 1988 Tech-Louisville game at Freedom Hall, when Doug Marshall and I got snowed in for a couple of days; two Kentucky Derbys - including the one in 1989 when it sleeted and snowed, and we lost Dave Hubbard and Churchill Downs; and of course his wedding (though I probably spent more of that weekend with Jason).
So thankful that Chris and I managed to meet up a few years ago when he was in Atlanta on business. It wasn't one of our crazy adventures from our younger days. But it was memorable just for being able to sit and catch up with a dear friend.
Unfortunately, it appears that I will be unable to make it to Louisville for the funeral. (My wife had knee surgery Tuesday, so I really can't be away that long.) I really wish I could be there, but it looks like I'll have to settle for queuing up some Gary Moore on Spotify and pouring a glass of Makers Mark instead.
Just wanted you to know that we will miss Chris down here in Georgia, too. My deepest sympathy to you all.
Sincerely,
Jody Kinney
Deloris Raines
December 22, 2016
Dear Shari and family. Sending love and sympathy during this time. I know this has been a long, hard journey for all of you. May your strength of spirit and good memories get you through this holiday season.
Much love, Deloris Raines (Leigh Eruckson's mom)
December 21, 2016
TO THE FAMILY;
Sorry for the loss of your precious loved one,may
the sweet memories and the promise at ISAIAH 35:5,6 give you comfort and hope in the days to come.
Sincerely,
C.J.
Paige Franklin
December 21, 2016
Sue- I am so sorry for your loss. Chris and I had a special friendship since high school that I will never forget. He was so amazingly intelligent, handsome and a gentleman. I am praying for you and your family.
Paige Clements Franklin
December 21, 2016
Our heartfelt condolences to the entire family at this difficult time. Diana Joseph
Pat and Winston Church
December 21, 2016
My heart is broken for you Sue! I am keeping you, David, and family in my Prayers
December 21, 2016
"What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us;what we have done for others, and the world, remains and is immortal"
Albert Pike
Thank you Chris for all the years of guidance and knowledge, through the craft you will live forever.
Master WoodCraft Cabinetry
December 21, 2016
You will be deeply missed.
J Elpers
December 21, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers for the family. Chris was a good dad and good person. Peace,
Sharon guenthner
December 21, 2016
Sue, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Having sons of my own I can only imagine your grief and pray that God will help you through this timel.
Sharon Guenthner (from Water Aerobics)
Williams family
December 21, 2016
We didn't know Mr. Baughman, but wish to offer our deep condolences to your family at this difficult time. Numbers 6 : 24-26
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