William E. Baughman

William Baughman (Billy Gene), 89, of Henderson, passed peacefully from his earthly home into the loving arms of his heavenly Father on February 24, 2014, with his family by his side. Visitation will be Thursday, February 27, 2014 from 12:30 PM until 2:00 PM, with services at 2:00 PM at Rader Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Johnny Newton and Rev. Bill Kuykendall officiating. Interment will follow at Rusk County Memorial Gardens. William was born July 3, 1924, in Henderson, Texas, the son of Arthur E. & Leona Baughman, Sr. William and Clara Crim were married September 26, 1944, and she survives him. William graduated from Henderson High School, and attended Kilgore College where he met the love of his life, Clara, and they were married a short time after completion of college. Ten months after they were married, he enlisted in the Army Air Force in the midst of World War II. After basic training in Wichita Falls, he was sent to New York for several months. However, before he could be sent overseas, the war ended, he was discharged and sent back home. William loved his country and was proud to be an American, loving to fly the American flag outside his home. After his return home, he worked with the Texas Pipeline Company for about 13 years. Then, he was employed with Texas Eastman in Longview, Texas for 23 years as a chemical operator until his retirement. He was a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Henderson. William had many hobbies in his lifetime including fishing, quail and squirrel hunting, and coon hunting with his favorite dogs. He raised 5-gaited saddle horses and showed them, winning several awards. He also raised hunting dogs, quail, mink, chinchillas, cows, goats, and probably his favorite, miniature horses. He also built and flew remote control airplanes. He and Clara loved to travel and visited many states with their children. After the children left home, he and Clara loved visiting the old Southern plantation homes, visiting the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee, and looking for gold in Arizona and New Mexico. William is survived by his loving wife of 69 ½ years, Clara Fay Crim Baughman; son, Mark Baughman and wife, Karen of Henderson; daughters, Carmen Baughman Hudson and husband, Reggie, of Nacogdoches; and Sherrie Baughman Owens and husband, Dennis, of Henderson; grandchildren, Clint Baughman, Ashley Stanley, Josh Baughman, Michelle Turner, Heather Eddins, Trenton Owens, and Hannah Owens; and eleven great grandson Derek and Reese Baughman; Aidan, Ethan, and Eli Stanley; Taylor, Timothy, Trevor, Thadd, and Thane Turner; and Kaleb Eddins. Also, many nephews and nieces. He will be greatly missed by all. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Arthur E. and Leona Baughman, Sr.; brother, A.E. Baughman, Jr.; and sister, Dorothy Gray. Pallbearers will be grandsons and great-grandsons. The family wishes to give a special thanks to the Henderson Health and Rehab Staff and to Samantha & Christine of Heart to Heart Hospice for their Kindness and special care for our Daddy. Memorials may be made to Heart to Heart Hospice.

William E. Baughman

July 3, 1924 - February 24, 2014