Otis Spencer Bauman, 96, of Humboldt, was born on July 4, 1922 in Barada, to William and Maude (Killingsworth) Bauman.
Otis attended school in Barada and later Falls City High School. During his high school years, Otis participated in football, basketball, and track where he held the discus record for many years. On March 9, 1943, Otis entered active duty for the U.S. Navy and served his country during World War II until receiving his honorable discharge on Dec. 13, 1945.
He was married to the love of his life, Edith Arington, on May 26, 1943. Edith and Otis moved to Illinois for a short time and returned to Humboldt when Otis was drafted into the Navy. Edith joined her husband in San Francisco for a few months, then returned to Humboldt when he was shipped out to the Admiralty Islands. After his service to his country, he returned to Humboldt to work for the OA Cooper company and later for Herr’s Dairy.
While her husband was serving in the war, Edith owned and operated the Bauman Cafe on the east side of the square in Humboldt. She was an incredibly good cook and later worked at the Park Hotel, Herr’s Dairy and for two summers, ran the Lakeside Diner. In 1963, the family moved to Lincoln, where Otis worked for Fairmont Foods. Edith cooked for the Wesleyan Cafe in University Place, the Buffalo Motel and was a store supervisor for Goodwill Industries for several years. Together, Edith and Otis worked security for Lincoln Telephones.
Edith and Otis returned to Humboldt in 2005 and entered the Colonial Acres nursing home in 2011. Otis entered the arms of Jesus on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Edith (March 8, 2013), son-in-law Richard Workman and an infant grandson Steven Lee Workman.
Otis is survived by his loving daughters Nancy Workman of Lincoln; Debbie Baber (Steve) of Shingle Springs, CA; special foster daughter Shirley Butler of Humboldt; five grandchildren: Stephanie Gomes of Cameron Park, CA; Jeff (Christy) Cummins of Cameron Park, CA; Craig (Janet) Workman of Lincoln; Brian (Jenni) Workman of Lincoln; Amy (Scott) Shillington of Benkelman, NE: seventeen great-grandchildren: Alayna Deleon of San Diego, Marissa Gomes of Cameron Park, CA; Kayla (Cummins) Tibbs, Spencer and Preston Cummins of Cameron Park, CA; Miranda, Makenzie and Grant Workman of Lincoln; Taylor (Workman) Brandner, Tyler, Teyton and Tysen Workman of Lincoln; Brittany Shillington of Owasso, OK, Mitchel (Morgan), Lane, Dylan and Ella Shillington of Benkelman, NE; One great-great grandchild, Jax Shillington of Benkelman, NE; brothers-in-law: Gary (Carol) Arington of Syracuse, NE; Harlan (Joyce) Arington of Lincoln; Loren Arington of Cambridge, WI; and many other relatives and friends.
Joint Inurnment Services for Otis and Edith were held at the Humboldt Cemetery on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018 with Brian Workman as officiant. Full military honors were conducted by the Harvery-Mann Legion Post #269 and U.S. Naval Honor Guard.
Memorial contributions may be given to family’s choice. Condolences can be shared online at www.wherrymortuary.com Services entrusted to Wherry Mortuary, Humboldt.
