Charles Hunt Bauman

Charles Hunt Bauman, 83, of Bountiful, Utah completed his earthly assignment on Sunday, May 14, 2017.  It was a perfect day to return to his Father in Heaven.  He had waited 70 years to give his mother a hug and kiss for Mother's Day and was finally able to do so.  He passed away from pancreatic cancer and was surrounded by family as he worked out the details of leaving this life.  We will ever be grateful for his faithful life and example of diligence, determination, strength and patience.

Charles, along with his twin sister Charlene, was born on April 22, 1934 in Logan, Utah.  They were the second and third children born to Charles Jacob and Lillie Mae Hunt Bauman.  He spent his early childhood in Logan, but grew up in Smithfield, Utah.  Following his mother's death in 1947, and his father's marriage to Mildred Oleson, he lived with his family in West Point, Utah for a few years.  He returned to Cache Valley on his own and spent the remainder of his teenage years there.

He was a gifted athlete with a love of many sports, but enjoyed playing basketball the most.  He was the team captain his senior year at North Cache High School and continued to play church ball into his 50's.  He graduated in 1952 with a twinkle in his eye.  That twinkle was named Janean Jackson and following her graduation, they were married on September 16, 1953 in the Logan Utah Temple.

Their early marriage was filled with hard work and education, as he worked on his Electrical Engineering degree at Utah State University.  Following his graduation from college and ROTC, he served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Fort Monmouth, New Jersey.

When his military commitment was complete, they returned to Utah and began his career as an engineer.  They bought their first and only home in Bountiful and worked tirelessly over the years to provide a loving home for their growing family.  Eventually there would be six children born to Charles and Janean.

A life of service to the Lord, journaling, gardening in his personal "Garden of Eden" and a 30 year project of completing his family history work filled his time as he and our angel mother grew old together, being married nearly 61 years at the time of her death in July 2014.  His calling as Stake Patriarch was a cherished opportunity to serve that he loved dearly.  He never missed an opportunity to testify to his family of the Savior and the things that he knew to be true.

The blessing of a second marriage to Jane Valentine Rhees took place on April 25, 2015 in the Bountiful Utah Temple and the light returned to his eyes as he and Jane taught us more life lessons about love, devotion and service.  They have a plaque hanging in the kitchen that says, "When we count our blessings, we include 14 children, 54 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren." We will never forget the sight of Charles taking each new baby into his arms, un-wrapping the blankets and through his tears, counting the presence of each finger and toe while cradling his big strong hands around their little head, as he welcomed each new family member into this world.

He is survived by his wife Jane Valentine Rhees Bauman, Bountiful, UT and his children, Fred Charles (Toni) Bauman, Layton, UT; Bonnie Jo (Jay) Nielsen, Kansas City, MO; Lisa (Scott) Jamison, River Heights, UT; Kent Wells (Jamie) Bauman, St. George, UT; Patricia Ann (Michael) Goodrich, Springville, UT: Sandra Janean (David) Oehler, Bountiful, UT.  He is also survived by his sisters, Ruth Mae Bauman, Midvale, UT; Charlene (Les) Weaver, South Weber, UT; and his only brother, Olin J. Bauman, Midvale, UT.

He was preceded in death by his parents and step-mother, his sister, Esther Wasinger and his first wife, Janean Jackson Bauman.  

With grateful hearts we express thanks to his sweet wife Jane, who lovingly cared for his every need during their marriage and his final days. The services and support of Encompass Home Health and Hospice are also appreciated.  The kind and thoughtful visits of ward and family members provided much comfort and strength through this difficult time.

A public viewing will be held Friday, May 19th, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Russon Mortuary (295 North Main, Bountiful, Utah) and a short viewing for out of town guests will be held at the Bountiful North Stake Center (1550 North 400 East, Bountiful, Utah) Saturday morning, May 20th from 9:45 to 10:45 am., with the funeral will beginning at 11:00 am.  Interment and dedication of the grave will take place at the Smithfield, Utah Cemetery at 3:00 pm that afternoon.