Donald Bauman

Donald James Bauman, 72, of Frederic, Michigan (formerly Palm Bay, Florida), passed away peacefully at home, in his sleep, surrounded by loved ones on June 22, 2025.
Donald was born in Dearborn, Michigan to Agnes and Joseph Bauman on October 21, 1952. Raised and educated in Westland, Michigan, he moved to Florida shortly after his high school graduation. There he worked as a dispatcher at the Palm Bay Fire Department while studying to earn his associate's degree in fire science. While at the fire department, he met Palm Bay Police Department's Chief, Harry Carry. Recognizing Donald's talent and strong work ethic, Chief Carry encouraged him to pursue a career in law enforcement, rather than one in firefighting, and offered to sponsor his training at the community college's police academy. The rest, as they say, is history.
Donald loyally served his community for 35 years as an officer, an investigator, and a detective before retiring in 2011. During his career, he acted as a union representative for the department, won several awards, and was the arresting officer of William Cruse, the man convicted of the 1987 mass shooting in Brevard County that claimed the lives of six people, including two police officers, and injured 14 others. Donald was a firm believer in the fair use of policing and was proud of his role in keeping the community safe as an "officer of the peace."
Known for his subtle, dry sense of humor and frequent acts of pranksterism, Donald earned the nicknames "The Dude" and "The Wizard," and wore them with pride and a lovingly devilish glint in his eyes. It wasn't unusual for someone to discover a giant plastic spider in their toilet after a visit from Donald. Also known as a kind and caring person who would do anything to help a friend or neighbor in need, he could always be counted on to arrive with tools in hand to remedy any situation.
Donald's interests were vast and varied. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, carpentry, biking with his grandson, concert-going, and, as a life-long Detroit Tigers fan, cheering on his hometown baseball team. He excelled at cooking and baking and made a mean apple pie-his chicken piccata and German potato salad weren't too shabby either. He often put his carpentry skills to work creating gifts for friends, many of whom proudly display their Donald-made wooden slat American flags and Christmas trees during holidays and on special occasions.
Donald is survived by his wife of 45 years, Kathryn Ubinger Bauman; children Melanie J. Bauman, Joseph R. Bauman and fiancé Emily Schmidt, and Anna K. Bauman and partner Jesse Rocha; grandson Roman Rocha; stepsisters Lynn Molitor, Christine Dorsten, and Laura Stinson; and several beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Agnes and Joseph Bauman, stepmother Elaine Bauman, brother Dennis Bauman, and stepbrother Alan Medon.
Donald's favorite and often-cited quote was, "The Dude abides." Written by Joel and Ethan Coen for their 1998 film The Big Lebowski, it represents a philosophy of living with equanimity and tolerance-a perfect reflection of the life Donald led.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 7th at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Indialantic, Florida, followed by mass at 11:00 a.m. and a reception in the church hall after the service concludes. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Donald, please visit our Tree Store.