Gareth Duane Baum

Affectionately known to his grandchildren as “Tots,” Gareth Duane Baum, a devoted family man and cherished friend, passed away in Wichita, Kansas, on January 28, 2025, just two days after celebrating his 91st birthday. With resilience and strength, he battled congestive heart failure for decades.

Born in Arkansas City, Kansas, on January 26, 1934, Gareth was the youngest of six children born to Jacob “Jake” and Elsie (Beckwith) Baum. His siblings-Amy, Alden, Phyllis, Glendoris, and Virginia-adored their baby brother and continued to dote on him well into adulthood. Growing up during the Great Depression profoundly shaped his character, making him brutally honest, fiercely loyal, and deeply pragmatic. He had a wry sense of humor best appreciated by those with a thick skin.

Gareth spent his youth in Arkansas City, swimming and riding bikes with friends. He and his father, Jake, shared a love of baseball, often attending games when barnstorming teams came through town-a passion he later passed down to his own son. A proud Arkansas City High School Bulldog, he graduated with the class of 1952. He briefly attended Arkansas City Junior College before enlisting in the Navy, where he toured the Pacific, visited Tokyo, and swam in Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour. Though the Navy showed him the world, he remained a Kansan at heart.

After returning home, Gareth gave college another try and earned his degree from Emporia State University in 1962. While at Emporia, he met his future wife Jeanette. Smitten by her beautiful eyes and infectious smile, he quickly knew she was the one. They recently celebrated 62 years of marriage on December 22, 2024.

Gareth built a long career in industrial engineering at Boeing, retiring in 1995. He also coached youth sports teams and was an active leader in the Boeing Employees Association’s recreation and sports programs. In retirement, he stayed connected with his former shipmates from the USS Hamul, helped organize reunions, and often met with hometown friends for coffee and conversation. A devoted Kansas State University fan, he never missed an opportunity to remind everyone to “Keep the Faith” in the Cats.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, beloved golden retriever Bridget, and too many dear friends.

Gareth is survived by his wife, Jeanette, daughter Jennifer (Bill) Allen of Overland Park, Kansas, and son David (Melissa) Baum of Vienna, Virginia. He was a proud grandfather to Victoria (Adam) Ungashick of Leawood, Kansas, Nicholas (Olivia) Ambrosio of Kansas City, Missouri, Madeline Baum of Burlington, Vermont, and Lilian Baum of Blacksburg, Virginia, as well as a great-grandfather to Mary and Katherine Ungashick. He cherished time spent with his many nieces and nephews, always eager to retell his favorite stories-ones people couldn’t help but love.

A celebration of life will be held at Cozine Life Events Center from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Remarks will take place at 11:30 am. Gareth was laid to rest in a private ceremony at Fort Scott National Cemetery.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to all who cared for Gareth, especially Dr. Assem Farhat and his team at Heartland Cardiology, Dr. Mohamad Sandid with Wichita Nephrology, and the ICU nursing team at Wesley Woodlawn Hospital & ER, with special thanks to Nurse Mindy. The exceptional care he received will never be forgotten.

In honor of Gareth’s lifelong generosity, please consider donating blood to the American Red Cross in his memory. He also had a lifelong love for dogs-Blackie, Greta, Rags, Cookie, and, later, his devoted walking companion, Bridget. In his honor, contributions to the Kansas Humane Society, 3313 N. Hillside, Wichita, KS 67219.