Gerald Rodney Baum

He is survived by his wife Dorothy K (Folk) Baum with whom he shared 52 years of marriage.

Gerry was born in Reading on July 9, 1931 a son of the late Richard and Anna (Alspach) Baum.

Gerald was a 1949 Wilson High School graduate. He was a member of St Thomas UCC in Reading and started his trade with R A Sands plumbing and heating company as a plumber and pipefitter, then working for MBR Construction retiring in 1994 after 42 years in the business. Gerald was a member of the steam fitter's union for over 60 years.

He was a retired Tech Sergeant for PA Air National Guard serving during the Korean War. Illustrious Brother Baum, was raised a Master Mason in Isaac Hiester Lodge No. 660, Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania on November 2, 1965, and served as Worshipful Master in 1971.

He served as a Director of the Masonic Center Foundation of Reading from 1973 through 1982. He was Vice-Principal of 7th Masonic District School of Masonic Instruction from 1983 to 1985. He was Knighted a Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret, 32° Scottish Rite Mason in Reading Consistory in May of 1967, and served as Most Wise Master of Francis Marion Highley Chapter, Knights of Rose Croix, 18° in 1978 & 1979.

He was decorated with the Scottish Rite Meritorious. Service Award in 1985, and was coroneted a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33°, Honorary Member of the Scottish Rite Supreme Council on August 29, 1989 in Pittsburgh, PA. Additionally, he was a life member of Neversink Forest No. 32, Tall Cedars of Lebanon of North America.

Gerald was an avid train collector and would faithfully set up for Family Life Week in December.

He also was employed on a part time basis at Theo C Auman Funeral Home as a funeral assistant.

Gerald is also survived by his daughter, Lori-Ann K and her husband Ross McEwen Jr of Mohrsville, 3 grandchildren, Jason, Lauren, and Kortney McEwen.

Funeral services will be Saturday August 15, 2015, in Scottish Rite Cathedral, 310 S 7th Ave W Reading, Pa 19611, immediately following the Masonic service at 12noon. A viewing will be Saturday 9-12 noon in Scottish Rite Cathedral, please use Museum side entrance. Burial will be Monday August 17, 2015 at 11am in Pleasant View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Isaac Hiester Lodge No. 660, F&AM at the above address, or Parkinson's Foundation, 3468 Babcock Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15237 in his memory.

Theo C Auman Funeral Home, Reading is entrusted with his service. May our Heavenly Father have him in His Holy Keeping.

Please pay online condolences at www.theocauman.com