Obituary – Charles Robert “Bob/Charlie” Bauman
Charles Robert “Bob/Charlie” Bauman of Swissdale, passed away at his home Saturday, September 9, 2023.
He was born in Lock Haven on February 17, 1943 and graduated from Lock Haven High School in 1961. A year later in 1962 he married the love of his life, Patsy Marie Saylor, with whom he shared over 60 years of marriage with.
Charles worked at Piper Aircraft for 25 years until its closing and then Ridge Crest Mobile Home Park until his retirement in 2005. Upon retirement, he operated his home butcher shop cutting up everything from buffalo, elk, red stag deer, whitetail deer, cows and pigs.
Charles had a true passion for the outdoors. He loved hunting, fishing and spending time in the woods and at his camp in Kettle Creek. During the fall, he would go from small game to turkey and then bear before deer season. If it was possible, he would hunt every day of the season. During the summer, he loved to fish. A common phrase of his was ‘he would be home when they were done biting’ – whether it was noon or midnight, there was never a limit to his time on the water. As he aged, he truly enjoyed his boat and the time he spent on the water. He was a well-known figure of the Northeast Pan Fishing League – specifically known as “one of the two old guys on the flat bottom boat.”
Charles and Patsy were maybe best known for their efforts as foster parents. Since around 1977, they graciously offered their love and care to 52 foster children. After having three boys, Danny, Terry and Sam, they wanted a girl and took the opportunity to adopt two young girls, Ruth and Rhonda, to expand their family. They were remarkable in that all children in the house were always treated the same – whether it be for holidays or daily family care, all of their children were raised equal.
Charles and Patsy traveled extensively throughout the continental US, visiting every state in the union, except Hawaii.
Charles always did what was needed to support and provide for his family. He supported his children in all their activities. He was vice president and president of the youth football parents’ association, leader of the local Boy Scouts Troop 56 when they needed someone, and president of the wrestling booster club for Lock Haven High School.
Along with his passion for the outdoors, Charles loved shooting and was an active member of the Bald Eagle Rifle League for over 58 years – First with the team in Salona before moving the team closer to home in Dunnstable Township.
Charlie is survived by his wife, Patsy; his sons, Dan and Terry; his daughters, Ruth Keen and Rhonda Lambert; grandchildren, Trae Bauman, Connor Bauman, Collin Bauman, Emily Bailey, Derek Keen, Alexis Keen, Saletia Torres, Tristin Lambert and Natasha Myers; and was blessed with 11 great-grandchildren. Charlie is still still survived by his siblings Raymond Bauman, Annamary Keen, Nelson Bauman, Loretta Keen and Elma Kling.
Charlie was preceded in death by two sons, Samuel and Gerald; a daughter-in-law, Penny Bauman; his mother, Sarah Sheedy (Bauman/Hamm); his father, Irvin Bauman; and his siblings, Betty Eyer, Richard Bauman, Merele Bauman, Albert (Jr.) Bauman and James Bauman.
A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, September 14, 2023 at 11 A.M. at the Donald G. Walker Funeral Home, Inc., 231 High St., Flemington, PA 17745. Burial committal service will follow at Swissdale Cemetery.
Friends and family will be received at the funeral home on Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 P.M. and again on Thursday from 10 A.M. until the time of the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the funeral home to assist with funeral expenses.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.donaldwalkerfuneralhome.com
