Obituary for Bob Baur
The Reverend Dr. Robert A. Baur, age 86, of Jefferson City, Mo. passed away Monday, February 6, 2023, at Primrose Living Community surrounded by family.
Bob was born on September 2, 1936, in Waco, Tx. a son of Herbert Paul and Dorothy (Axthelm) Baur. His family moved to High Ridge, Mo. when Bob was young and then to New Bremen, Ohio when he was in high school. He became a 1954 graduate of New Bremen High School.
It was during his time in high school that he met the love of his life, Evelyn Ruth Bassler. They were married in 1958 in New Bremen, Ohio and blessed with 64 years of marriage.
Bob would continue his education by receiving a bachelor’s degree in history from Heidelberg College in 1958. After graduating he decided to follow his father’s path and pursued his calling as a minister. He graduated from Eden Seminary in 1961 with his doctorate in theology.
He was an ordained minister for over 50 years serving churches throughout Missouri. He served as the Senior Pastor at Central United Church of Christ in Jefferson City, Mo. for eight years until he took the role as Executive Director with the Evangelical Children’s Home (now known as “Every Child’s Hope”) in St. Louis, Mo. He was passionate about his role working with children and was there for 20 years, retiring in 1999. Even during his retirement, Bob continued to serve others and preached Sunday services at numerous United Church of Christ locations.
He volunteered as a past president of the Missouri Childcare Association to advocate for children at the Missouri Capitol and as a past president of the Council of Health and Human Services Ministries (CHHSM). This organization helped serve all the United Church of Christ organizations. He was currently a member of Oasis United Church of Christ in Jefferson City.
Bob loved being in nature and one of his favorite places was being with family at their home on the Gasconade River. He cherished memories with his children and grandchildren on the river, especially fishing and tending to his vegetable garden with them. He faithfully cheered for the St. Louis Cardinals with a ballgame always on at the house.
Survivors include: his loving wife, Evelyn Baur; three children, Beth Baur (Gary) of West Orange, NJ, Amy Baur Hofer (Dana) of Des Plaines, IL, and Paul R. Baur (Alisha) of Osage Beach, MO; one brother, Ron Baur (Janet) of Fort Myers, FL; and four grandchildren, Eli Hofer, Tyler Lynch, Rob Baur, and Alex Baur.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. Thursday, February 16, 2023, at the Oasis United Church of Christ, 2017 Williams Street, Jefferson City, Mo. 65109. A memorial service will follow his visitation at 1:30 p.m. Thursday with the Reverend Rushan Sinnaduray officiating.
A webcast of Reverend Baur’s service will begin at 1:30 p.m. Thursday for friends that are not able to attend by going to his memorial page on Freeman Mortuary’s website.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Every Child’s Hope or the Oasis United Church of Christ by mailing all donations to P.O. Box 95, Jefferson City, MO 65102.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
Bob was born on September 2, 1936, in Waco, Tx. a son of Herbert Paul and Dorothy (Axthelm) Baur. His family moved to High Ridge, Mo. when Bob was young and then to New Bremen, Ohio when he was in high school. He became a 1954 graduate of New Bremen High School.
It was during his time in high school that he met the love of his life, Evelyn Ruth Bassler. They were married in 1958 in New Bremen, Ohio and blessed with 64 years of marriage.
Bob would continue his education by receiving a bachelor’s degree in history from Heidelberg College in 1958. After graduating he decided to follow his father’s path and pursued his calling as a minister. He graduated from Eden Seminary in 1961 with his doctorate in theology.
He was an ordained minister for over 50 years serving churches throughout Missouri. He served as the Senior Pastor at Central United Church of Christ in Jefferson City, Mo. for eight years until he took the role as Executive Director with the Evangelical Children’s Home (now known as “Every Child’s Hope”) in St. Louis, Mo. He was passionate about his role working with children and was there for 20 years, retiring in 1999. Even during his retirement, Bob continued to serve others and preached Sunday services at numerous United Church of Christ locations.
He volunteered as a past president of the Missouri Childcare Association to advocate for children at the Missouri Capitol and as a past president of the Council of Health and Human Services Ministries (CHHSM). This organization helped serve all the United Church of Christ organizations. He was currently a member of Oasis United Church of Christ in Jefferson City.
Bob loved being in nature and one of his favorite places was being with family at their home on the Gasconade River. He cherished memories with his children and grandchildren on the river, especially fishing and tending to his vegetable garden with them. He faithfully cheered for the St. Louis Cardinals with a ballgame always on at the house.
Survivors include: his loving wife, Evelyn Baur; three children, Beth Baur (Gary) of West Orange, NJ, Amy Baur Hofer (Dana) of Des Plaines, IL, and Paul R. Baur (Alisha) of Osage Beach, MO; one brother, Ron Baur (Janet) of Fort Myers, FL; and four grandchildren, Eli Hofer, Tyler Lynch, Rob Baur, and Alex Baur.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. Thursday, February 16, 2023, at the Oasis United Church of Christ, 2017 Williams Street, Jefferson City, Mo. 65109. A memorial service will follow his visitation at 1:30 p.m. Thursday with the Reverend Rushan Sinnaduray officiating.
A webcast of Reverend Baur’s service will begin at 1:30 p.m. Thursday for friends that are not able to attend by going to his memorial page on Freeman Mortuary’s website.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Every Child’s Hope or the Oasis United Church of Christ by mailing all donations to P.O. Box 95, Jefferson City, MO 65102.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.