John A. Baum

1932 - 2017

John A. Baum, 84, Monticello, passed away at 9:05 p.m. on March 13, 2017, at the Indiana University Health Arnett Hospital of Lafayette.
He was born on May 21, 1932, in Logansport, to the late Floyd R. "Soakie" Baum and Beatrice M. (Burns) Baum.
On Oct. 12, 1963, at the French Lick Christian Church in French Lick, he married Zoe A. Powell; she survives.
John was born in Logansport and was raised in Monticello. He graduated from Monticello High School in 1950. After earning a degree in Business Administration from Indiana University, he served the U.S. Army in Korea from 1955 - 1957. Following his honorable discharge, John began a career in the Federal Service with the Department of Defense, retiring as a Contracting Officer. During John's career he negotiated many of the Defense Department contracts at Allison's in Indianapolis for such as M1 Tank transmissions, turboprop engines for C130's, and various aviation hardware.
John and his wife, Zoe, were very active with the White County Historical Society of Monticello and were instrumental in organizing its Genealogy records and sourcing and building the Museum's exhibits. In addition, John enjoyed keeping his Class of 1950 reunions going. John was a United States Veteran, a member of the First Presbyterian Church, and the VFW Post #2231 of Monticello. He was a fanatical Indiana University Basketball and Football fan. John and Zoe held season tickets to IU's football games for decades and could always be counted on to cheer their (mostly disappointing) performance. For John, there was always a next year. 
Surviving are his wife, Zoe A. Baum, Monticello; children, Rachel (companion Amro Salama) Baum, Chicago, Ill., and John Eric (Alice) Baum, Thousand Oaks, Calif.;?granddaughter, Stephanie Baum, Seattle, Wash.; sister, Karen (John) Wood, Monticello; and brother-in-law, John Powell, Plainfield.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be from 3 – 6 p.m. today, Thursday at the Miller–Roscka Funeral Home of Monticello. Full Military Rites by the Monticello Veterans Honor Guard followed by a Celebration of Life Service will be at the funeral home at 11 a.m. Friday with Rev. Lyle Ewing of the First Presbyterian Church of Monticello officiating.
Burial will be in I.O.O.F. Riverview Cemetery in rural Monticello.
Memorials may be given to the White County Historical Society. Envelopes will be available here at the funeral home.
Miller–Roscka Funeral Home of Monticello is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.
See: www.miller-rosckafh.com