Dean A. Baughman

Dean A. Baughman, 96, a lifelong resident of Zanesville, left his earthly body and his spirit entered God’s Kingdom in the early morning hours of Saturday, July 5th, 2025. Dean was born August 7, 1928, to the late Orville L. and Thelma (Marshall) Baughman at his parent’s home, which still stands today. He graduated from the Old Lash High School. He and his first wife were former co-owners of Williamson-Baughman Insurance Services, but his favorite occupation was that of a farmer.

Dean was a member of Coburn United Methodist Church, having attended the Euclid Ave. Methodist Church as a boy. Dean was an 80-year member of the Ohio State Grange of Patrons of Husbandry; a 65-year member and Past Master of Irville Lodge #184 F & AM; a 54-year member 32o Scottish Rite Body of Zanesville and York Rite Body of Cambridge; a 45-year member and Past Worthy Patron of Treasure Chapter of O.E.S. #586; a former 20-year Trustee in Falls Township, and a former trustee at Coburn UM Church.

Dean is survived by his children, including his daughters, Nancy (Dale) Phillis; Janet (Larry) Lynn of Zanesville; Deborah (Tim) McCraw of Salem, VA; Linda (Michael) Mitchell of Nashport; Patricia (Kelvin) Kreager of Zanesville, and one son, Warren (Debra) Baughman also of Zanesville. One brother, Robert Baughman of Canal Winchester. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews. In addition, he is survived by his second wife’s children, Kimberly (Harvey) Nelson of Akron; Scott (Cindy) Boyer of Zanesville; Steve (Susan) Boyer of Westerville; Todd (Teresa) Boyer of Laura; Jay Boyer of Columbus; and Nicholas Boyer of Wheeling, WV; as well as 16 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He is additionally survived by his special brown-eyed, 4-legged girl, Chrissy, one in a long list of English Shepherds he owned since his childhood.

In addition to his parents, Dean is preceded in death by his first wife, Ruth Kline Baughman whom he married September 16, 1951, and who passed away June 18, 1991; as well as his second wife, Sharon Bowman Boyer Baughman, whom he married on August 21, 1993, and died October 22, 2008; an infant grandson, Michael D. Phillis; one brother Richard B. Baughman; one infant sister, Dorothy Baughman; his sisters-in-law, Geri and Barbara Baughman, his mothers and fathers-in-law, another sister-in-law, and a brother-in-law.

Dean’s children recall that he was born about two miles from his maternal grandmother’s farm. The family moved to the farm when he was two years old and he spent the remainder of his life there, dedicated to farming the homestead he loved. They noted “Dad liked to tell a story and we loved hearing his memories of farm life in the ‘old days’ and about the exploits and adventures he shared with his two brothers growing up. As a handsome young man with wavy blond hair and devilish good looks, Dean was able to attract the attention of Ruth Kline when they met at a Grange gathering. He was immediately smitten and fell hard for her. They were married in September of 1951, and quickly started a family. Some years were very lean for the young couple and their six children but, in addition to farming, Dean worked various full-time day jobs and was able to provide for his brood. In 1963, Dean and Ruth partnered with Darrell and Shirley Williamson to establish Williamson-Baughman Insurance Services; together they built it into a successful business.

His family remembers him as hard working, stern, and a strict disciplinarian, but also as someone who enjoyed social gatherings, sports, and travel. He and Ruth were able to visit all 50 U.S. states before her death in 1991. Dean retired from the insurance business in 1994, and focused his attention on the farm and cattle which were his lifelong passion. Dean later married Sharon Bowman Boyer and his blended family became even larger with Sharon’s six children plus the grandchildren and great grandchildren from both unions. He and Sharon were married for 15 years before Sharon’s passing in 2008. After Sharon’s death, he lived by himself for several years, cooking, baking and canning for himself. With help from his son, Warren, he actively farmed until age 95. More recently, when age and health concerns forced him to move to a retirement community, he continued to visit the farm to check on his English Shepherd dog, Chrissy, the cattle, and his childhood home.The cattle were sold last fall and his cattle dog went to live with Nancy. Dean lived life as fully as possible up to his very last day. For the July 4th holiday he attended a family BBQ at his daughter Janet’s home. On the way back to the retirement community he rode by the farm and then stopped to see Chrissy, reminding her that she was “his girl.” He was relaxed and smiling in the car on the return trip, stating that he “could ride forever this way with the sun shining on me.” Dean was tired and that night he laid down for his last, long rest. Hopefully, he is farming once again, with cattle in the field, and telling the dog that she is “his girl”.

Friends and family may call from 2:00 – 4:00 PM and 6:00 – 8:00 PM on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at the BOLIN-DIERKES FUNERAL HOME, 1271 BLUE AVENUE ZANESVILLE. Masonic Services will be held at 7:45 PM. Funeral Services will be held at the funeral home on Friday, July 11, 2025, at 11:00 AM with Pastor Mark Raaker officiating. Burial to follow at Williams Cemetery where he will be laid to rest between his wives.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Coburn United Methodist Church, Genesis Hospice, American Heart Association, or the American Cancer Society.

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