Dr. Joseph B. Baucum's Obituary
Joseph Bevill Baucum, Jr. was born in Haynesville, Louisiana on September 6, 1937, to Joseph Bevill Baucum, Sr. and Helen Elizabeth Hines Baucum. He was the grandson of Dr. and Mrs. Henry Baucum and the great-nephew of Dr. Arthur Bevill. When he was five years old, his family moved to Longview, Texas.
Jo Jo as he was known, grew up with a loving family surrounded by his parents, sister, Sara Elizabeth, and his beloved grandmother, Bertie Mae Morgan. He attended Judson schools and distinguished himself in academics, athletics, and music. A standout football player, he frequently appeared in local newspaper headlines (something that did not go unnoticed by his future wife, Barbara!)
In Joe’s senior year, he was awarded a full academic scholarship to Baylor University, where he studied pre-dentistry and played baseball. His lifelong devotion to Baylor was evident in both word and presence. Rarely without his Baylor cap, he remained a constant supporter of the university. Seeing his children and grandson, graduate from Baylor were among his proudest moments. In 1959, after three years at Baylor, Joe and Barbara married and moved to Dallas, where he attended Baylor College of Dentistry. After graduating, he served as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force stationed at a strategic air command base in Moses Lake, Washington.
In 1965, Joe and his family returned to Longview, where he established a dental practice that would span fifty years. Known for his gentleness and care, he became a beloved figure in the community. In particular, children, remembered him for his ability to “rock their tooth to sleep” and for the treasured visit to the office toy chest that followed. Many patients remained loyal to him for decades, even traveling long distances for his care. He was actively involved in the Texas and East Texas Dental Societies and served as President of the Gregg County Dental Society.
A few years after starting his Longview dental practice, Joe and his father purchased some land and developed a neighborhood with a focus on country lifestyle- aptly named Country Place. It is here where Joe and Barbara built their home and raised their children. It was a wonderful neighborhood and close-knit community, with grandparents just up the hill, two large gardens, pastures, a barn for the horses and a fishing pond. They lived there for 54 wonderful years.
Joe’s life was equally defined by service. A devoted member of First Baptist Church of Longview, he served as a Deacon for over fifty years, including time as Chairman, and taught Sunday School across generations—from high school students to adults—forming lasting relationships along the way. Beyond the church, Joe chaired the LISD Blue Ribbon Citizens Advisory Committee, was president of the Cherokee Kiwanis, participated in mission trips to Matamoros, Mexico providing dental care to children and families, coached youth basketball, and, as Chairman of the Board of Highway 80 Men’s Rescue Mission, helped lead a major expansion to include services for women and families. In 1969, he was listed in Who’s Who in Texas Today.
Despite his many responsibilities, Joe remained deeply present with and devoted to his family. He spent countless hours with his children and grandchildren, teaching them to fish and to drive the truck or tractor across the pasture. Together they’d go on joy rides on “thrill hill”, ride horses around the farm, feed the cows and just enjoy their time together. He was a beacon of wisdom (and fun!) and almost never missed a game, a graduation, or a meaningful moment.
In addition to his family, Joe had a special place in his heart for his friends. He and Barbara were part of a tight-knit group they referred to as “the Supper Club”, that met monthly – and then weekly as they aged – for dinner for over 50 years. It continues to this day. They enjoyed vacations together with all of their children and traveled together to numerous places both in the US and Europe.
One of the “Supper Club’s members, Tom Stone, was one of the most important friendships in his life. Tom and Joe were like brothers. The “gentlemen” farmers/ranchers enjoyed countless days tending to their cattle, bailing hay, fishing, building a cabin and generally wishing to be full-time ranchers (though they quickly realized they needed the dental and CPA incomes to sustain their fun!)
Even in his later years, as he faced Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, Joe remained himself. Quick-witted, warm, and full of humor (a professional comedian in another life!) he continued to bring joy to those around him, meeting each day with resilience and grace.
Joe’s life was a quiet testament to faith, service, and love. While words cannot fully capture the depth of his impact or the extent of his absence, his life endures in the people he loved, the community he served, and the beautiful stories he leaves behind. We are deeply grateful for the years we were lucky enough to share with him and take comfort in knowing he is now at peace.
He is survived by the love of his life, Barbara Glover Baucum, his wife of nearly 67 years; his son, Robert Jayson Baucum and wife Molly; his daughter, Stacy Baucum Robert and husband Peter; and his grandchildren, Lauren Daccache (husband, Evan Cifor), Anna Marie Daccache, Davis Joseph Baucum, and Andrew Thomas Baucum. He also leaves behind two beloved step-grandchildren, Nicolas Robert (wife, Kristen Lee) and Catalina Robert. His children and grandchildren were his greatest joy, and he was deeply loved by each of them..
A special thank you to Dr. Ben Mack for his professional guidance during this time. In addition, we would also like to extend our appreciation to Judy Tidmore for her friendship and help with Joe in the last 2 years.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Baptist Church of Longview or Highway 80 Rescue Mission.
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