Richard Howard Baumann

Richard (Dick) Howard Baumann died peacefully in his home in Spokane on Sunday, May 18, with his family by his side. He was born July 28, 1923, in Ritzville to John and Floss Baumann, joining his brother Jack.

Dick was raised on the family farm near Washtucna and attended the Burkhart Country School for five years, via horse, before attending Washtucna High School and graduating in 1941.

He went on to attend Washington State College for one year prior to spending two and a half years in the US Army, before he returned to the family farm. Dick married Doreen Bingham in Bellevue on Feb. 12, 1949, and he brought her back to a house he built on the family farm.

They lived in that home until shortly after their second son was born. The small family moved into the homestead house on the same farm, where their family grew to four children. Together they raised David, Ronald, John, and Jill while farming and operating Baumann Farm until DRJ, (David, Ronald, and John) took over the operations in 1980.

During his time in Washtucna, he was honored to serve on many boards including, but not limited to treasurer of Rimrock Grange, director of Adams County Soil Conservation District, trustee of Washtucna Community Church, president of Washtucna Grain Growers, Washtucna Grange Supply and Washington Flying Farmers. In addition, he was the first president of the Washtucna Alumni Association and a lifetime member of the Adams County Association of Wheat Growers. He was a licensed private pilot for over 45 years flying many family and friends as well as taking Cub Scouts on their first flight.

In 1959, Jack and Dick commenced developing the Delta Marina Yacht Harbor in Rio Vista, Calif. Dick became the president of the Marina in 1997 when Jack passed away.

After turning the farm over to his boys, Dick and Doreen moved to Walla Walla where they lived for 25 years. Prior to leaving Walla Walla, they built a home on Priest Lake where they enjoyed countless visits from family and friends including celebrating many Christmas seasons there with their children and grandchildren. Guests from as far as England were entertained at the lake before Dick and Doreen moved to Spokane 2002.

Dick was able to celebrate many special occasions including 65 years of marriage, 55 years at the Delta Marina and a lifetime of farming.

He was preceded in death by his son Ronald Baumann in 2007.

Dick is survived by his wife Doreen, son David (Karen) of Washtucna, daughter-in-law Susan of Pasco, son John (Ellen) of Birch Bay, and daughter Jill (John) Casper, Wyo. Additionally, he made hundreds of thousands of hotcakes for nine grandkids, seven great grandkids, and countless nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Manito Presbyterian Church of Spokane, The Wounded Warriors Project, or any organization of choice.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 5, at Manito Presbyterian Church, at 11 a.m. Manito Presbyterian Church is located at 401 East 30th Avenue in Spokane.