John C. Baum

John C. Baum, 68, of Richland Twp., Clarion County, died peacefully Saturday, June 29, 2019, at Butler Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on April 15, 1951 in Oil City, John was the son of the late Gerald L.  and Betty Jane Ada Master Baum.  He graduated from Allegheny-Clarion Valley High School in 1969 and also the Pittsburgh Technical Institute.  He is survived by his wife, Norma McDonough Baum, whom he married in Clarion on October 23, 1970. John was a member of the Emlenton Presbyterian Church.

John spent his career operating heavy equipment in the coal fields of western Pennsylvania, first in production and later in restoration.  He ran a number of draglines in the area including the second largest in the country, a Marion 8050, affectionately known as “Big Joe”.  He was an enthusiastic motorcyclist for over 50 years, serving as Road Captain of the Legion Riders Post 720, and attending 13 rallies at Sturgis, SD.  In retirement, John loved the Wednesday morning golf outings at Stoney Meadows and congregating with friends at the Knox American Legion, Parker VFW, and Knox Sportsman’s Club.  Traveling with friends and family from a young age was a joy for John and he was able to see much of this country and others, including beautiful trips to Hawaii in 2013 and Australia in 2010.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Gerald E. Baum and his wife, Karen, of New Castle, Kristin Jane Baum of St. Petersburg, and Sharon Yingling Zeigler and her husband, Robert, of Dalton, MA; his grandchildren, Megan Bell, Michael Baum and Elizabeth Baum; his beloved aunt and uncle, Sonja and Dean Shoup of St. Petersburg, as well as a number of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brothers, Steven L. Baum and Michael L. Baum, and a grandson, Brynen J. Bell.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Emlenton Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Dr. Darrell Knopp, church pastor, officiating.  Interment will be in St. Petersburg Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Riders Post 720, 70 Veterans Rd., Knox, PA 16232 or the American Heart Association at www.heart.org.  Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hile Funeral Home Inc., St. Petersburg.  For additional information or to send a condolence, please visit www.hilefh.com.

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