Charles "Charlie" Douglas Bauman, age 91, transitioned to Heaven peacefully at home February 19, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family. 

Charles was born at home in the town of Deer Lodge, Powell County Montana on January 24, 1933, with his maternal grandmother Margaret Beck Jensen as the Midwife. He was the third son of R.M. (Slim) and Elsie (Jensen) Bauman. Charles life came full circle as he passed away in the home he built on the same property of his birth.  

Charles' legacy will long be remembered for his love of God, honesty, as well as his kindness and extreme generosity to family, neighbors and everyone he came in contact with. He took time to help and pray with those who needed it, talked with everyone - often bringing strangers home for dinner.

Growing up in Deer Lodge Powell County, Charles developed a love of nature, wildlife and the mountains, which continued throughout his life. He was an avid hiker, hunter and fisherman, especially enjoying ice fishing with his son, Bob. They visited elderly couples and widows delivering fresh fish, deer or elk meat and garden bounty throughout the year. 

As a teenager, he felt called to become a minister and following graduation from Powell County High School (1950) attended Northwest Bible College in Kirkland Washington; Central Bible Institute in Springfield Missouri; and later with a family, attended University of Montana and returned to Northwest Bible College, earning Bachelor's degrees in Theology and Arts. Charles loved and played basketball in high school and college and was a member of various Missions groups, band (Clarinet), singing, Thespians, and Class President (Central Bible College). 

In the summer of 1956 at Glacier Bible Camp in Hungry Horse Montana, Charles met the love of his life, Karen Hollo. He invited Karen for a snack and walk by the river and prayed that night, " Lord, if I still feel this way in the morning, this is the girl for me".  

He married Karen 11 months later and was married 66 years. 

In his teens and college summers,  Charles worked at the Toggery men's fine clothing store in Deer Lodge and a lab at the Anaconda Copper Company. Other special college jobs included a summer in Alaska (fish cannery) and as a Bell Hop at a ritzy hotel in Springfield Missouri with $100 tips! Later, while a full-time student at Northwest Bible College, he worked full time at Boeing earning a Certificate of Merit for his constructive suggestions. Many Saturdays found Charles with the children practicing Greek words or learning to ride bicycles and swim.

Charles became an Ordained Minister for the Assemblies of God in 1954 and pastored several churches in Montana: Lewistown, Roundup, Baker, Ovando and later in Marblemount Washington after returning to Northwest Bible College.  Karen was often the church pianist or organist. For 40 years, Charles and Karen held Sunday services for residents in the Deer Lodge Colonial Manor Nursing Home. 

In March 1970 upon the passing of his father, Charles returned to Deer Lodge to take over his father's businesses: Conoco bulk plant delivering gas and oil to ranchers, farmers, the mines and gas stations as well as driving a school bus until summer. Charles then worked for the Montana State Highway Department Deer Lodge division for 23 years, retiring as Foreman in 1993. 

Days after retiring, Charles hiked Patrol Mountain near the Bob Marshall Wilderness to be a fire lookout for the summer. This was a dream and highlight of his life, especially as he took up photography. His photographs from Patrol Mountain, Bob Marshall Wilderness and Deer Lodge Valley can be found around the community, purchased by travelers and local residents and displayed at Deer Lodge Medical Center. 

Charles' love of the outdoors was evident throughout his life:  Ice and fly fishing, hunting, watching deer and elk in the wild, hiking, backpacking, camping, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, photography, gardening (especially his raspberries and tomatoes), biking and sports. He also loved to sing, especially when Karen accompanied him on the organ, piano or accordion. He sang gospel duets with his wife and trio together with his brothers in church, Glacier Bible Camp and special events. Often the brothers were asked to repeat their performances several times. 

Charles showed a deep love for his family, including Karen and the children in all activities. He was always home for dinner; encouraging, praying for and supporting his family and anyone he came in contact with. When not in school, one or more of the children accompanied him on errands, delivering oil/gas or checking highways. Those times included stops for treats, especially Forbes grocery in Avon. (His favorite - peanuts or ice cream). He adored the grandchildren; teaching them to ride bikes, wrapping his arms around them, endless hours in the garden - especially picking raspberries, and eating fresh carrots. 

Charles is survived by his wife Karen Bauman of Deer Lodge MT, son Robert Bauman of Deer Lodge MT, daughters; Diane Bauman Kamson of Seattle WA, Elaine Bauman of Everett WA, Joan Bauman of Palm City FL.  He has 5 grandchildren:  Morayo Kamson of Austin TX; Jacob, Lauryn, Elyse and Lily Klostreich of Palm City FL as well as many nieces and nephews.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents R.M. (Slim) and Elsie Bauman, brother Eugene Bauman, brother Harold Bauman and son-in-law Solomon Kamson. 

Charles' Celebration of Life service will be held at 12 Noon, on Saturday March 9th 2024,  at the Deer Lodge Assembly of God Church,  601 5th Street, Deer Lodge, Montana. Following the Celebration will be a Graveside service at Hillcrest Cemetery, 343 Conley Lake Road, Deer Lodge MT. A luncheon will follow at the Deer Lodge Assembly of God Church. 

Memorial Donations may be made to the Powell County Senior Center, Meals on Wheels, 100 Missouri Avenue, Deer Lodge MT 59722.

Please visit the sidebar to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Charles.

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Charles and his family.