Stephen Lee Baum

In loving memory of Stephen Lee Baum 76, he passed away December 22, 2024, after a short battle with cancer. He was born February 21, 1948 to the late Raymond and Jean Baum. He was preceded in death by his brother Raymond Baum Jr. and his sister Rosemary Blanton. He was a graduate of Desales High School of 1966 and Murray State University with a BA in Education. He taught 3 years at Roby Elementary, where coached boy's middle school basketball. He worked for Commonwealth Insurance for 20 years and started his own insurance business called Worldwide Insurance. He was a US Army Veteran where he served in Vietnam and was awarded National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Metal with 3 Bronze Service Stars, Vietnam Campaign with 60 device, Army Commendation with Oak Leaf Cluster and Bronze Star, Army Good Conduct, Vietnam Civil Actions Honor First Class Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation, and Combat Infantryman badge. A highly decorated hero. He was a devoted Catholic where he was a CHRP #4 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Steve loved the Louisville Cardinals/Jacksonville Jaguars and he was a devoted New York Yankees fan. He loved attending the Kentucky Derby every year in Louisville Ky and playing golf with his buddies. He was an avid fisherman and loved spending time fishing with his grandchildren.

He is survived by the love of his life of 56 years Nancye Hooper. His daughter Stephanie Rae Stinnett (Michael) and his son Brian Stephen Baum (Shannon); 3 grandchildren Michael Ray Stinnett Jr., Coleson Brian Baum, Caden James Baum as well as several nieces, nephews and his sister Leslie Brown (Ray).

The celebration of his life and birthday will be on February 21, 2025 from 10:30-1:00 at the Hardage-Giddens funeral home, 11801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville FL 32223. The Memorial Service will follow after the funeral service at the Jacksonville National Cemetery.