Obituary of Donald E. Baum

CANASTOTA . . . Donald E. Baum, 94, of 8550 Hertel Road, Canastota, passed away on Monday, December 4, 2023, surrounded by his loving family at his home. He was born on February 26, 1929, in South Bend, Indiana, the son of the late Charles and Catherine (Shoemaker) Baum. Don spent his early years in Cicero, attending the one room schoolhouse in Cicero. He later lived in Baldwinsville, Fulton, Deltona, FL, and Rock Hill, SC, before moving to Canastota in 2020. He was stationed in Germany, while serving in the United States Army. Don worked at Porter Cable/Rockwell in Syracuse for thirty-three years, and later retired from Church & Dwight in Solvay. Don enjoyed gardening, cooking, playing penny ante, and having family gatherings at their home. He married Jessie F. Smith on July 21, 1953, in Euclid, NY. Jessie passed away on October 21, 2023. This year they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Surviving are: three sons, Donald L. and Darlene Baum of Raleigh, NC, Raymond and Beverly Baum of Canastota and Troop, NY, and Howard Baum of Mocksville, NC; two daughters, Kathryn and Michael Timmler of Canastota, and Brenda Baum Dausman of Clover, SC; two brothers, William Baum, Sr., and Robert Baum, both of Fulton; one sister, Shirley Smith of Fulton; nine grandchildren, Donald (Trisha) L. Baum, Jr., Catherine (Dan) Rau, William (Amy) Cobb, Jr., Jaclyn (Brandon) Harvard, Stephanie Scanlon, Heather (Kristi) Scanlon, Amanda Lester, Christopher (Anna) VanAntwerp, and Janelle (Casey) Addington; twenty-three great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Don was predeceased by one son, David Baum; three brothers, Howard, Charles, and Raymond Baum; and two sisters, Mary VanWagner, and Betty Kimball. Calling hours will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at the J. Homer Ball Funeral Home, Inc., 201 James Street, Canastota. A memorial service will follow at 4 p.m. at the funeral home. Pastor Donna Chapman of the Whitelaw Presbyterian Church will officiate. In his memory, contributions may be made to Clear Path for Veterans, 1223 Salt Springs Road, Chittenango, NY 13037, with envelopes available at the funeral home.