H. Blair Baughman

Harold Blair Baughman was born at Council Bluffs, Iowa, October 3, 1936, the son of Harold and Hallene McIntosh Baughman. The family resided in Dow City before moving to Denison when Blair was in the third grade. He graduated in 1954 from Denison High School. He continued to work for Fred Westcott, where he had worked since the age of 14, showing Polled Hereford cattle and Blair had the honor of exhibiting the National Grand Champion Polled Hereford Steer at the American Royal in Kansas City. On September 22, 1957, Blair was united in marriage with Marlene Crane at the United Presbyterian Church in Vail, Iowa. Their union was blessed with two children, Susan and Tim. They made their home in Denison before residing in different communities where he was employed by Polled Hereford Breeders. In 1963, he began his independent farming career, first on a farm north of Vail and then at Boyer and Deloit. In 1967 the Baughman family moved to their present farm home when Blair went into partnership with Fred Westcott, purchasing the farm in 1972. In addition to his farming career Blair was also employed at the ASCS office for a time and was a crop adjuster for 20 years, currently for Heartland Crop Insurance. In his spare time he enjoyed supporting his children and grandchildren in their many activities and endeavors, watching sports, World War II history, reading, and attending auctions. Blair will be fondly remembered by his family and friends for his ever ready smile, gentleness, humble heart, words of wisdom, twinkle in his eye, and attending auctions. He was a lifetime volunteer and active participant in his church and community. He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church in Vail and Denison where he served as a Deacon and Elder and currently attended the Grace E-Free Church in Denison. Other past and present memberships include: Farm Service Co-op Board of Directors for 15 years; 4-H Leader of the Good Handy Helpers; Extension Council serving as chairman for two terms; Youth Committee; Beef and Sheep Superintendent at the Crawford County Fair for many years; American Polled Hereford Association; Iowa Junior Polled Hereford Association Adult Leader; past member of the Vail Eastern Star and Masonic Lodges and was just recently inducted in the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame. Blair died Friday morning, September 16, 2011, at the Crawford County Memorial Hospital in Denison, Iowa, having been blessed with 74 years, 11 months and 12 days. Including his parents, Harold and Hallene Baughman, Blair was also preceded in death by one sister: Leone Lange, his adopted mother: Margaret Westcott, and two brothers-in-law: John Allen and William Blair. Those remaining to cherish his memory include his wife of nearly 54 years, Marlene Baughman of Denison, Iowa, two children and their spouses: Susan and Brock Hermann of Manchester, Iowa, and Tim and Alice Baughman of Denison, Iowa; three grandchildren: Aaron and Anna Baughman of Denison, Iowa, and Becca Hermann of Manchester, Iowa; three sisters: Donna Jean Allen of Blue Springs, Missouri, Doris and husband, Elmer Swift of Woodbine, Iowa, and Arloe and husband, Marvin Talcott of Independence, Missouri; brother-in-law: Kenneth Lange of Gardena, California; sister-in-law: Nelda Blair of Vail, Iowa, Dewey Reis, considered by Blair, as the brother he never had; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, September 21, 2011, at the First United Methodist Church, Denison, Iowa, with Pastor Brian Rihner officiating. Music for the service included a Statler Brothers recording of “Amazing Grace” and vocal solos of “Wind Beneath My Wings” and “How Great Thou Art” sang by Gabe Demarest with Nancy Bliesman serving as pianist. Honorary Pallbearers included Dewey Reis, Don Eck, Dick Oberhelman, Kay Grimm, Harold Chapman, Scott Chapman, Scott Cobb, Randall Swift, Kennard Swift, Gaylen Swift, Mark Crane, Dan Crane, Larry Crane, Gilbert Carstens, Dale Kruthoff, Dr. Ron Dreyer, Duane Alff, and Verlyn Meyer. Following the service the family invited everyone to join them in the church fellowship hall for a time of sharing and a luncheon prepared and served by the Grace E-Free Church. The Pfannebecker Funeral Home, www.pfannebecker.com , Denison, Iowa, was in charge of arrangements.