Elmer Wayne Bauman

February 20, 1923 - August 6, 2010

Elmer was born 2/20/1923 in Crowley County: went Home to God 8/6/2010. Elmer lived 60 years in the house he was born in on Buckeye Hill; moving 1 time to "grandma's house" in Manzanola, where he lived his life. Elmer's grandfather John Hix Bauman arrived from Switzerland in 1834, settling in NE Kansas in Sabetha into a community of German immigrants, where his parents George and Martha (Grimm) Bauman grew up & married. After George & his brothers Ed & Joe Bauman 'hit it big' in oil, they fulfilled a 'go west' dream arriving by train in Crowley County – each buying farms there & in Manzanola to establish large extended families. Elmer graduated from Manzanola High School & married Lois Jean Stover in 1944. Establishing their family in the house he was born in, they were blessed with 4 children: Linda Black (Jeff) of Glenwood Springs; Diana Laws (Glenn) of Greeley; Robert (Phyllis) of Eaton; Larry (Terri) Eaton. Elmer often bragged of his extended family now including 13 grandkids & 26 great grandkids. He was preceded in death by a brother and 2 sisters. Elmer & Lois Jean formed a farm partnership with his parents in 1944, surviving the fence-deep dustbowl days. They later expanded through their sons to farm more than 1000 acres – including cattle, hogs, sheep, tomatoes & the "most steal-able" cantaloupes & watermelons in the valley. Some favorite historical memories: during WWII using German prisoners to farm – sharing their language for humane contact; later employing "Nationals" from Mexico, who yearly returned to bring mementos, language & culture to share as they worked fields with the Bauman family. Original 'wedding singers', Elmer & Lois Jean sang often for church, often asked to do family events & funerals. Community service: Manzanola Lions Club 1946-86: Manzanola School Board, where he was instrumental in building the high school gym & first lighted baseball field (& program) in the valley; member of 1st Christian Church of Manzy since 1947, recently took dual membership in 1st Christian in Pueblo; Board of Church Valley Brotherhood; Elks 1956 to now; Eastern Star 1959; Masons lifetime since 1959; Shrine 1976, later performing with Oriental Band; Mayor of Manzanola 1996 till he was 81; Ditch Superintendent of Catlin Canal till he turned 80 & retired. He was a Regional Board Member of the Central Rocky Mountain Disciples of Christ, serving churches throughout CO, WY & UT from 1979 – early 2000's. Elmer married Lena Beeman in 1981, enjoying a wonderful 2nd family/community until her death in 2008. Blessed a 3rd time with a caring female companion (& a friend since childhood), Elmer enjoyed life & family with Delpha Melton until his passing. Living live to the fullest, his latest adventure was showing up at 2 grandkids' graduations on the back of a 2010 Harley Trike with his daughter piloting – the only way to go. Elmer leaves a legacy through 3 generations of family (so far), step kids & grandkids, ex's – the ongoing family motto "it doesn't matter how you got here, or whether you're still legally connected – you're family, that doesn't change". The community he served benefited through water litigation, park facilities obtained and years of building strong facilities, networks & righting social wrongs. Though his official title was Church Elder (Regional Board Member) – kids, grandkids, great grandkids, cousins, "church family", high school or sports team kids have depended on him for Christian guidance, rock-strong faith, learning how to live well in this world. He often said he was never wealthy, but was the richest man in the world. True Dad – "Big Papa", friend – we'll miss that strong hand, quick smile, occasional tear – but we'll see you again soon. Funeral Services will be at the First Chrstian Church of Manzanola, at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, August 11th, with Pastor John Dell officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 5-8 PM at Ford-Ustick Funeral Home. Interment will be in the Manzanola Cemetery with graveside masonic services performed by Silver State Lodge 95 of Pueblo. Memorials may be made to First Christian Church of Manzanola Manzanola, CO 81058. Arrangements have been entrusted to Ford-Ustick Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent or to view the video tribute go to www.fordustick.com.