Dean Auman

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

(Harold) Dean Auman, 81, of Baxter Springs, Kansas, passed away Monday, April 12, 2021.

Dean was born at home in Neutral, Kansas to Loyal and Erma Auman on September 3, 1939. He graduated from Riverton High School Class of 1957 and played football for the former Joplin Junior College. 

On March 21, 1959 he married Beth Ann Dickson in Baxter Springs, Kansas. They were married 62 years. 

He sold Caterpillar earthmoving equipment for E.A. Martin Machinery Company (now Fabick Cat) for over 40 years. He loved Baxter Springs and was very active in the community, coached Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball, was a former member of the Baxter Springs City Council, a former member and past president of USD 508, a 32nd Degree Mason and a Shriner, member of the Baxter Springs Museum Board, presided over the restoration of the Visitors Center on Route 66 (10th & Military, Baxter Springs, KS), plus a whole host of local projects that just needed a helping hand. For 40 years, he was also a member of the Joplin Elks Lodge.

He was preceded in death by his parents Loyal and Erma Auman, his sister Eileen Bulger, his brothers and their wives, Bill and Cleta Auman, Richard and Betty Jo Auman, plus a whole host of cousins, aunts, uncles and special friends. He and Beth’s friends group ran deep, were considered as family.

He is survived by his wife Beth, children DeAnn and Doug Hill of Baxter Springs, KS, Stan and Becky Auman of Springfield, MO, Ken and Tashsa Auman of Loma Linda, MO. He is also survived by the loves of his life, the grandkids and great grandkids, Angie and Justin Kemp, Drew and Abbey Hill, Hunter Auman, Matt and Hanna Hart, Harper Auman, Megan and Tanner Peabody, Morgan Auman and Madison Auman; great grandkids, Cohen Kemp, Ella Gray Hart and Juni Kate Hart with another great grandchild expected later this year. His nieces and nephews were all near and dear to his heart. 

His favorite times were when all the family and friends were in his shop, especially for the annual family reunion.

Dean was lovingly called Papa. He loved Gram more than life itself. They lived a full life, traveled the USA extensively, thousands of miles in their conversion van with friends, attended the activities of their kids and grandkids on a daily basis, never met an auction he didn’t need to stop by. He was so proud of his kids. He never missed an opportunity to brag on them. The Martin Family at EA Martin were considered family to him as well as his customers. 

He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and named both Stan and Ken after favorite players. Pittsburg State Gorillas, KU Jayhawks and Kansas City Chiefs were also near and dear to his heart. He relished in seeing his former baseball players on the street and loved to chat with them. All the friends of the grandkids were his grandkids too. 

In his former years he was an avid hunter and fisherman. He and Gram enjoyed their pets and took in all strays. Papa loved his country and sported the red, white and blue often. The 4th of July was a favorite as he was so proud to be an American.

Expressions of sympathy are preferred as memorials to a few of Dean’s passions: Baxter Springs Historical Society, Shrine Childrens Hospital or The Baxter Springs Dog Park (under construction). Donations can be sent in care of Derfelts Baxter Chapel, PO Box 616 Baxter Springs, KS 66713

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, May 1, 2021 at First Christian Church, 3020 Roberts Road, Baxter Springs, Kansas at 11:00 a.m. Burial and Masonic Rites will follow at Baxter Springs Cemetery. Arrangements are being performed by Derfelt Baxter Chapel.