Robert “Coach” Baumann, age 83, passed away on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at the NCK Medical Center, Concordia, KS. He was born on July 2, 1941 in Oceanside, NY to Harry Howard & Elise “Doris” (Rohmann) Baumann, II.
He graduated from Oceanside High School in 1959. He graduated from Kansas State Teachers College (Emporia State University) in 1962 with a double major in History and Physical Education. He later earned his master’s degree in P.E. and counseling in 1973.
He taught social science and physical education and coached at Hartford High School for 5 years until Harold Clark recruited him to Concordia High School in 1968. He spent 37 years as the head track coach, 17 years as the cross-country coach and 10 years as an assistant and head football coach. He taught social science and physical education in Concordia and served as activities and athletic director for 5 years.
His track teams won 4 state championships, 16 regional championships, 28 NCKL titles and counts over 100 individual state champions. In 2005 he returned to coaching at Pike Valley High School as an assistant track coach for another 16 years. In addition to coaching, Bob was a longtime wrestling official for over 27 years, officiating several state championships. He also served as a KSHSAA area supervisor for wrestling for 20 plus years.
He was a lifetime member of the NEA, a member of the KNEA, Kansas Track Coaches, Kansas Coaches Association & the United State Track and Field Coaches Association. Bob was selected by the United States Olympic Committee as one of the coaches to attend the Learn by Doing Camps in 1970, 1972 and 1974. Additionally, was 1 of 10 coaches to attend the elite javelin camp at the Olmypic Training Center in 1990. He was honored in 1993 as the NFIOA Outstanding Official and named the Kansas Wrestling Official of the Year in 1979-1980. He was recognized by the Kansas Coaches Association in 2003. Bob also served at the Concordia City Recreation director for 25 years and was responsible for the design and building of the new sports complex in Concordia.
He married Gwendolyn “Betsy” Hancock on June 10, 1961 in Woodmere, Long Island, NY. She preceded him on September 9, 2007.
He is survived by; sons, Michael Baumann & Scott Baumann (Denise), both of Concordia, KS; daughter, Dawn Baumann-Payeur (Chad), Concordia, KS; grandchildren: Amanda Choitz (Ethan), Carlee Stensaas (Brandon “Woody”), Blane Payeur (Michelle Davis), Jaden Payeur, Blaze Payeur (Mattie Rossi) & Deklyn Stoecklein (Cody); great grandchildren, Cayden Honts, Reagyn & Rhett Choitz, Addyson, Jaxson & Peyton Stensaas & Hallie Payeur & Denton & Easton Beam; brothers, Stephen Baumann (Chris Newbold), LA, CA, Lance Baumann (Pam), Gig Harbor, WA & John Baumann, Shelton, WA; sister, Elyse Harrington (Stephen), Palm Desert, CA & Montauk, NY & a host of former students, athletes, coaches and friends over multiple decades.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Betsy, his parents & brother, Harry Baumann.
It was Bob’s wishes to be cremated and a memorial service will be at 3:00 pm, Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at The Brown Grand Theatre, Concordia, KS with Rev. Delvin Strecker officiating. Burial of the cremated remains will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Concordia, KS. Friends may sign the register book from 1- 8 pm with the family greeting friends from 5-7 pm, Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, Concordia, KS. To honor Bob’s love of sports, the family requests that everyone who attends the services please dress casually and wear their favorite sports team apparel.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to Bob Baumann Memorial Fund to be used for youth activities in the local area in care of Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, PO Box 606, Concordia, KS 66901. For online condolences please visit www.chaputbuoy.com.