George O. Baughman, 82, of Lewistown died at 9:10 a.m. Jan. 20, 2021, at Graham Hospital.George O. Baughman, 82, of Lewistown died at 9:10 a.m. Jan. 20, 2021, at Graham Hospital.
He was born July 14, 1938, in Fulton County, the son of Herbert and Neva Smith Baughman.
Surviving are one cousin and caregiver, Kathryn (and Dennis) Turner of Lewistown; and several other cousins.
He was preceded in death by several aunts and uncles.
He earned a bachelor of science degree in 1960, and a master of science degree in 1967. He went on to teach business education and computer science at Lewistown High School for 33 years. He also taught accounting and computer science courses at Spoon River College in the evenings, and took additional coursework at Western and John Wood Community College. He worked at an accounting firm, and owns and formerly managed a farm.
Over the years, he served on numerous local and state boards including the Lewistown Masonic Lodge #104 A.M. and F.M., Western Illinois Business Teachers Association, the Illinois Education Association, 40-year member of the Secretary of State’s Antique Auto Show judging team, member of the Mohammed Shriners A.A.O.N.M.S. of Peoria, member of Lewistown Historical Society, served as a deacon at Lewistown Presbyterian Church, and later on in his life he attended Mount Pleasant United Methodist church.
He also served on the alumni corporation board of Gamma Kappa Chapter where he was treasurer for three of his four undergraduate years. He was an avid supporter of WIU over the years, as well as his fraternity, Delta Sigma Phi. As an alumnus, he served as a member of the advisory board for the fraternity from 1960-66 and from 1997 until present time. He was named Greek Adviser of the Year in 2000. He also was a member of the WIU Alumni Council and Western’s Library Leadership Board, and won the 2015 WIU Alumni Achievement Award. He established the George Baughman Scholarship for the College of Business and Technology in 2008. He also supported the Malpass Library and Alumni Programs. He continued to support athletics, libraries, performing arts society and scholarships annually. He was the 2018 WIU Homecoming Parade Marshal.
He was a member of the Antique Auto Club of America and served as Master Judge.
Graveside services with Masonic rites will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lewistown. Pastor Kathy Barrett will officiate. Sedgwick Funeral Homes and Crematory in Canton is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to Donor’s Choice.
Condolences may be sent to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com.
Current Obituaries in the Astoria South Fulton Argus