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BORN
1952
DIED
2025
Gregory Baum Obituary
He is survived by his wife, Linda Graham, sons Travis Baum, Sam Baum and Kyle Baum, step sons Ivan Graham and BoJesse Graham, brothers Richard Baum, Bill Baum and Jim Baum as well as 13 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. A celebration of his amazing life will be planned for later this summer.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gregory Baum
Wayne Stauffer
August 26, 2025
As a WA State resident, I try to get out to NE Indiana every year or two to visit the family my dad left there fifty-odd years ago, and a few years back my uncle took me to visit a friend of his at Sweetwater named Greg. For about two hours, he pulled any guitar I wanted to play off the wall, tuned it and turned me loosed. When I ran out of ideas, he started pulling the one-offs and super high-end wares for me. A few days later my aunt and uncle hosted a party in Columbia City, and I had the privilege of spending a few more hours with him.
Not long after that, as fate would have it, he became listed as my official sales engineer, so all my purchases (and there were a lot of them) went through him. I'd occasionally name drop my uncle or say hi, and I always felt good knowing I was buying from him. He was kind beyond measure.
I wish I had a few more pics from that legendary trip. Such is life. Here's a picture of me with an eight-string Taylor. I've never even heard of one since.
RIP, Greg.
-Wayne
Kevin & Dar McCartney
August 18, 2025
To Greg´s family,
We are so sorry to hear about Greg´s passing. We just found out this week when we stopped by at the music store. We knew him from Sweetwater. The nicest guy you would ever want to meet. And a great guitar player/ tech. He was so knowledgeable and passionate about guitars. He was always very helpful with helping us with buying a new guitar. We always looked for Greg every time we went to the music store. Greg will be definitely missed. Sending condolences and prayers to all.
Sincerely,
Kevin & Dar McCartney
Fort Wayne, In.
Jeff McDonald
July 17, 2025
I met Greg in 2005 when I came to Sweetwater as the HR VP. We shared a love for The Kingston Trio, Martin Guitars, songwriting, recording, and purple pants! We played guitar together a number of times and he was, without a doubt, the most knowledgable (and kindest) guitar expert I have ever met. More importantly, we were friends and I'll miss him greatly.
Kelvin Pittman
July 7, 2025
Greg was a great person and had lot of friends and coworkers that he worked with that looked up to him for info and questions about anything musical he had a lot of knowledge about gear in general and just a really good person to be around my heart goes out to family and his memory will live on in our hearts forever!RIP
Charles Ferguson
June 25, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss - Greg went to school with my wife and I´ve known him for quite some time. He will be missed by all those he touched in his life.
Barry and Drema Drudge
June 19, 2025
We first met Greg in fall, 2009. He was a salesman in the newly built Sweetwater superstore. Since then, there were wonderful conversations had, encouragement, and pats on the back. He was the go-to guy in all purchases. When I last asked where he was, they said he was ill but not specific. I asked again today and they said he´d passed. I am trying to take that in. Heartfelt condolences to his family and friends, who are probably half the planet, seeing how kind and intelligent he was. His memory will live through us who met him... with care, Barry and Drema Drudge
Scott Frazier
June 11, 2025
I've know Greg for over 25 years through Sweetwater. He was always so helpful with me and very friendly. We would often share stories beyond that of a salesman and customer. Very sad to hear of his passing. He was a great and generous friend and will be missed.
Kim
June 10, 2025
Kind, caring & a lovely energetic look. Fond memories of the trip he & Linda made to Texas in April. Good times...we'll miss you.
Ted Kimball
June 9, 2025
Greg was a very good friend. He helped me make the best choices when I needed music stuff! We even shared reading a book (Empire of the Morning Sun)! Greg was like a brother to me. He was very special to me and those who knew him!! My condolences to Linda and family.
Ted Kimball
June 9, 2025
Greg was a very good friend! He knew what I needed before I asked him. I will miss him! I am sorry for your loss.
Michelle Walton
June 9, 2025
My condolences to Linda and the family. Greg, I truly enjoyed getting to know you and becoming your friend. You and Linda will always hold a special place in my heart.
Richard Lewis
June 9, 2025
I knew him for a long time and I always enjoyed talking and hanging out with Greg I will miss him
Keith Hire
June 7, 2025
I met Greg back in the 90s at Sweetwater, back when they were still on Bass Road. He was friendly and warm, and incredibly knowledgeable about everything they sold, especially guitars. Over the years we became good friends, partly because of a mutual love of guitars and amps, and especially of Vox amps, of which he had a great vintage collection. Sweetwater was lucky to have him, he was a terrific salesman, but never high pressure, and always willing to work out a deal. I always looked forward to seeing Greg whenever I went to Sweetwater, he always kept very busy, but never too busy to stop and chat for a minute. He was also an accomplished musician, he and a friend did a CD a few years ago which I loved. I knew him for years before he told me he was descended from L. Frank Baum of Wizard of Oz fame - pretty impressive! Snappy dresser too.
Probably what I will remember best about Greg was that he was a genuinely kind person, something you don´t see so much of these days. Very special, the world will be a little colder without him. I will still shop at Sweetwater, but it won´t be the same not seeing you there. Sleep in peace, Greg
Keith Hire
Sunny Berry
June 6, 2025
Greg was always so kind when we spoke. He will be greatly missed.
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