Gordon E Bausman

Gordon E. Bausman, age 95 of Rensselaer, passed away October 18, 2013 at the Jasper County Hospital Alternacare. Gordon was born October 7, 1918 in Dayton, Indiana, the son of Elsie (Sipes) and William E. Bausman. He moved to Rensselaer when he was 13 years of age. Gordon was a 1936 graduate of Rensselaer High School, attended Purdue University and graduated from St. Joseph College in 1942. Gordon joined the U.S. Navy November 17, 1942, was commissioned as Lieutenant on March 5, 1943 and was honorably discharged December 19, 1945. Lt. Bausman served on the USS Wisconsin and the USS Savannah. He returned to Rensselaer where he opened the Ben Franklin Store, which he owed and operated from 1943-1958. He went into sales and was a Sundries salesman from 1960-1984. He was a former member of the Rensselaer City Council, serving in that capacity for 8 years. Gordon was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Rensselaer. Other memberships include the American Legion Post #29, VFW Post #1279 and the Elks Club. Gordon was an avid golfer. Gordon is a longtime record holder at Rensselaer Central High School where, since 1936, he has held both the long jump and 100 yard dash record. His marriage was in Rensselaer on March 14, 1943, to Merle “Perk” Parks who preceded him in death on November 13, 1988. Surviving are two sons, Dr. Gordon P. (Linda) Bausman of Rensselaer and Dr. Thoms R. (Joy Anderton) Bausman of Kalamazoo, Mich., two grandchildren, Whitney Bausman and Wayne Bausman, a great-grandchild, Asher, his sister, Patricia Bausman Clair of Florida and special friend Judy Siegrist of Rensselaer. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Perk, one sister, Betty Morton and special friend, Ardith Thompson. Per Gordon’s wishes cremation was chosen. Friends are invited to visit with the family Saturday, October 26, 2013 from 9-10 AM at the Jackson Funeral Chapel of Rensselaer. Memorial services with military honors will be held Saturday at 10:30 AM at the Weston Cemetery. The family suggests memorials be made to the Jasper County Hospital Alternacare or the Jasper County Hospital Hospice in lieu of flowers. Jackson Funeral Chapel of Rensselaer is assisting the family with arrangements.

Gordon E Bausman

October 7, 1918 - October 18, 2013