Neel Baucom

(From Knell Mortuary)

Richard “Neel” Baucom, 73, Carthage, Missouri, passed away Thursday evening, March 25, 2021. Neel was born March 30, 1947 in Carthage, the son of Jack Neel Baucom and Mary Lorene (Hunnell) Baucom. 

Neel spent his early years in his hometown graduating from Carthage High School in 1965. Neel went on to study Biology receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in 1969 from Missouri Southern State College. 

Later that year he married the love of his life Janice Lea Dalton, also of Carthage, on November 22, 1969 at the Carthage First Baptist Church. The following year, Neel joined the U.S. Navy serving as a Hospital Corpsman and Lab Technician (Certified Medical Technologist, Hematology & Microbiology) in San Diego, California and the National Naval Medical Center Bethesda, Maryland from 1970 to 1975 during the Vietnam War. 

After proudly serving his country with the Navy, Neel began his career by enrolling in the Dallas Institute of Funeral Services in Dallas, Texas. He earned his Mortuary Science Degree in 1976 graduating as valedictorian of his class. 

Upon graduation, Neel and Janice moved back to their hometown of Carthage where he would start his 42-year career at Knell Mortuary, eventually becoming the owner and operator until his retirement in 2018.

Neel was a lifelong member of Carthage First Baptist Church, serving as a past deacon and director/teacher adult III. He also held many civil memberships in the following: past president of Missouri Funeral Director Association 8th district; member of Carthage Rotary Club, serving as past secretary and president; chairman of the Jasper County Social Services; chairman of the Carthage Police and Fire Department Pension Committees; Board of Directors for the Carthage Chamber of Commerce; Board of Directors for the Carthage United Way; served on the Carthage R-9 School board as president and member for 12 years; and served on the Board for Carthage Water & Electric. Neel was selected as Citizen of the Year by the Carthage Chamber of Commerce in 1999.

Neel was widely known for his outgoing personality, quick wit, never knowing a stranger, and always being able to put a smile on a face. In his recent years Neel, along with Janice, reveled in the joy of their three grandchildren whom he dearly loved. 

Spending time with each of them became the highlight of his life whether it was as simple as picking them up from school or a special vacation to the mountains or the beach. Neel was an avid outdoorsman, always enjoying fishing with his family and friends and going turkey hunting when he found time. He liked hiking and walking nature trails, collecting marbles, the study of plant taxonomy, bird watching, and gardening.

Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Janice Baucom; his two sons, Jim Baucom (Jean), Lenexa, Kansas, and Justin Baucom (Kelsey), Carthage; three grandchildren, Anna Baucom, Charlie Baucom, and Sagan Baucom; a sister, Karen Tucker (Stan), Tulsa, Oklahoma; a brother-in-law, John Knell (Maureen), Overland Park, Kansas; and many much-loved nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held 11 am, Thursday, April 1, 2021 at the First Baptist Church, Carthage. Burial will follow the service at Park Cemetery, Carthage. The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm, Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at Knell Mortuary, Carthage. The family asks for those in attendance to please wear masks. Memorial gifts are suggested to Carthage R-9 Foundation in care of Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. 

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.