William 'Bill' Baughman, community-minded
William "Bill" James Baughman, 80, of Milford, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2014, at the Milford Center-Genesis in Milford. He was born in Youngwood, Pa., son of the late Jacob and Margaret (Silamen) Baughman.
Bill was a 1949 graduate of Youngwood High School in Youngwood, Pa. Following graduation Bill served his country proudly with the United States Marine Corps, serving during the Korean Conflict. After serving his country Bill married the love of his life, Joan. They would settle in Drexel Hill, PA and together raise a beautiful family.
He enjoyed a 44-year career with Bell Telephone, Delaware County, until his retirement in 1992. Bill and Joan then relocated to the Rehoboth Beach area, where they could enjoy their children and grandchildren. Bill was very community-minded living his life helping others. He was a member of the Federation of Telephone Workers of Pennsylvania where he served as local president for 13 years. Bill was a life member of the AmVets in Morton, Pa., American Legion Post 28, Marine Corps League Color Guard and post adjutant. Bill enjoyed giving tourists and locals alike weekly tours of the Lightship Overfalls. He was one of the original members of the Dirty Hands Gang of the Lewes Overfalls.
Bill was a member of Lewes Presbyterian Church where he was very active with Vacation Bible School and youth programs. He loved mentoring the children and helping them with whatever they needed. Bill volunteered countless hours and was a very dedicated supporter of the Toys for Tots program. He was a grand storyteller and jokester; Bill enjoyed reading poetry and was an accomplished musician. Of all the things in life that Bill cherished most was the time spent with his adoring grandchildren, who were the "apples of his eye."
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his beautiful daughter-in-law Frani in March of 2014. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Joan; four sons, Larry Baughman and his wife Leslie of Downingtown, Pa., Bill of Lewes, Glenn and his wife Joan of West Grove, Pa. and Jeff and his wife Rosemary of Milford; one daughter, Linda Baughman Lacey of Wilmington; 10 grandchildren, Heather Holajter and her husband Brian, Christopher Baughman and his wife Valerie, David Lacey, William Baughman, Lauren Baughman, Jacqlyn Baughman, Zachery Baughman, Josh Baughman, Maddy Baughman and Rebecca Baughman; and five great-grandchildren, Mason, Cullen, Gabe, Aiden and Isabella.
A viewing will be held Friday, Nov. 14, from 4 to 6 p.m., at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, Nov. 15, at 2 p.m., at Lewes Presbyterian Church, 133 Kings Highway, Lewes. Interment will immediately follow in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations can be made to the Lewes Presbyterian Church Youth Group, 133 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE 19958.
Please visit Bill's Life Memorial webpage and sign his online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
