Fred H. Baumann

Fred Baumann was born in Galveston, Texas to the late Alvin and Sarah (Jackson) Baumann. He was preceded in death by his brothers: Edwin Baumann & Richard Baumann; his sisters: Donna Beier & Bonnie Jones; by his wife, Nancy (Buck-Gist) Baumann; & by his granddaughter, Hannah Elizabeth Gayle Cooley. 

Fred is survived by two children: Billie Baumann & Cassidy (Baumann) Cooley (David Cooley); & by two step-children: Christopher Gist (Danielle) & Letitia (Gist) Broeker (Jeremy); by his grandchild Jericho Cooley; & by his step-grandchildren, Madelyn Gist, Nathan Gist, & Gracie Broeker. Fred is also survived by many nieces & nephews who each have “Uncle Fred” stories to tell…usually involving the phrase, “here, hold my beer…”

Fred was always known as “Fred,” & if you ever made the mistake of calling him anything else, he was quick to correct you (usually by throwing something at you). The one exception to this rule was his best friends and caregivers, Kirk & Tammi Newbound, who loved & supported him through his final years as his health declined. Tammi was the only person who could get him to turn off Law & Order & actually get out of the house; she was also the only person who could get him to stop driving before he had to replace another bumper. While Fred tried to estrange himself from everyone, Tammi kept him social & helped him as his daughters reconnected with him in his last years. Fred was an ornery, crabby old thing but even he admitted how thankful he was for Kirk & Tammi. 

Fred retired after a long career with Chrysler. Always a proud driver of a blue Dodge truck, his children have stories of many-a-mile ridden in the back of the truck. The kids grew strong by surviving Fred’s driving through feet of snow, over curbs, & by his ignoring speed limits (“suggestions”) while clinging precariously to whatever was thrown in the back (jacks, bungee cords, mattresses, etc.). 

There are many people that have stories to tell about Fred Howard Baumann, & there are many laughs that could be shared (some at his expense). However, by his own admission, there are also many people who felt the sting of Fred’s addiction, & it ultimately cost him his life. Although Fred was able to make his peace with God at the end of his life, he knew his alcoholism cut his time on earth short, even as it strained his relationships & cost him friends & family. He accepted the mistakes he made, & he knew he couldn’t undo all he’d done to hurt people, but his admission of his faults & of his disease meant that he passed from this world into the next with his eyes open to the truth. Fred had no delusions about his life, & when he spoke with the Chaplain & with his daughters, it was with a clean conscience & a willing declaration of faith in the salvation of Jesus. 

 Fred peacefully went to eternity with Christ on December 23, 2024, after a battle with cirrhosis of the liver, COPD, & heart failure. Alcohol, cigarettes, & a few-too-many pork steaks won the battle, but Jesus won the war, & we have peace in knowing we will see our Fred again in Heaven. Rest easy, Dad…& maybe take some driving lessons in Heaven before you tear up those streets of gold…