William "Bill" Baum

William "Bill" Baum, age 65, of Wichita, owner and operator of SW Transfer & Storage passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. Bill was born on September 4, 1959 in Wichita to Jack and Donna (Barmore) Baum.

Perhaps somewhere in the Baum Homestead we will find notes Bill left us for his own obituary. He liked to plan and coordinate but he was particular.

Despite not marrying or having children, family remained a huge priority to Bill. He was an incredible son, admirable brother, supportive uncle and compassionate friend. In recent years he hosted foreign exchange students from Spain and Japan through the Lions Club. Bill wasn’t only caring to his family he was a devout dog parent. His dogs were his best companions.

Bill had a strong desire for connection in the community whether it was Derby High School Football, WSU Basketball, East High, The Lions Club, Masonic Lodge, YMCA, Hillside Christian Church, FCA and more. Bill played a role and left a mark. He served on the Downtown YMCA Board and the Lions Club Board. At Hillside Christian he served as Youth Mentor and spent several years studying the Bible to strengthen his faith journey and help teach others as well.

Bill followed in the family footsteps and worked in the moving industry. He operated Southwest Transfer and Storage from 1985 to 2006. In the early business years his warehouse was headquartered adjacent to the Arkansas River where the Hyatt now sits. His family enjoyed River Fest fireworks with the best view from the building rooftop.

Bill enjoyed sports. For many years he was a football athletic trainer for Derby High, a WSU basketball season ticket holder, and in recent years enjoyed his great nieces and nephews sports.

The Baums were collectors, and Bill was no different. From a young boy he began collecting teddy bears. There was only pride in his love for a unique teddy bear.

Even after Bill lost his parents, he kept the family connected. He joyfully continued hosting Christmas Eve traditions; ensuring all the great nieces and nephews a visit from Santa. He was one of a kind and will be remembered.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Larry and Ted Baum, sister Debbie Conley and brother-in-law JD Conley. He is survived by 9 nieces and nephews and numerous great nieces and nephews.

A visitation with family present will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2025 from 5-8pm at DeVorss Flanagan-Hunt Mortuary, 201 S. Hydraulic, Wichita. Funeral Service on Friday, January 31, 2025 at 11:00 am at Hillside Christian Church, 8330 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS with burial to follow at Salem Township Cemetery, Winfield, KS.

Memorials may be given to Wichita Downtown Lions Club.