Thomas Lee Bauman, native of Flint, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2025. Husband, dad, grandpa, baby brother, gardener, crafter of rock gardens, cat dad, expert crossword puzzler, construction extraordinaire, chocoholic, slot machine master, Vegas enthusiast, sun worshiper, polka afficionado, and amateur foodie, cashed in his chips after a nearly 25-year triumph over COPD. He was 73.

Tom was born March 23, 1951, the 3rd (and last) son to Eugene and Jeanette Bauman at St. Joseph Hospital in Flint, Michigan. Tom and his brothers John and Denny spent their youths walking to St. Michaels, Cook Elementary, Emerson Junior High, and Utley Junior High (uphill both ways and definitely in the snow) and their summers at North Lake. They all shared the same hard-headedness, and never backed down from an argument – each always having to get the last word.

Tom’s life was forever changed at the end of 8th grade after moving to the house on Ridgecliffe Avenue and meeting the girl down the street, Teresa, oldest daughter of the late George and Dorothy Mayner. Tom and Teresa’s love story officially began during their senior year at Carman High School and culminated in their wedding on May 19, 1973.

After graduating from Carman in 1969, Tom began working construction as a laborer for C.J. Rogers, where he quickly moved up the ranks to foreman and then superintendent. He went on to work for WPM Construction where his position evolved into working in the office as an estimator. Tom passed his work ethic and love for construction to his son Jeff who got his start at WPM. His daughter Jen even got in on the “family business”, working for a summer with him at Bishop Airport. Tom retired from WPM in 2002.

Family was everything for Tom. Family vacations Up North and to Daytona were spent on the beach. (Catching lizards with Jeff in Florida to bring home resulted in the inevitable lizard escapes on the drive back to Michigan.) The era of teenagers breaking curfew led him to impart a key piece of advice to Jen – “you could have at least brought me donuts.” Yearly trips to Las Vegas with John and Kathy were a way for Tom and Teresa to unwind and enjoy some gambling. Tom could often be found watching Lawrence Welk or listening to the Beatles with his grandchildren (teaching them about “real” music). He passed on to his kids and grandkids a love for rock collecting and was always on the lookout for Petoskey stones.

In his later years, Tom pursued his coin collecting hobby with a vengeance, especially after discovering eBay. He explored his newfound love of Mexican food, never turning down a good margarita. Tom was always ready to talk about the good old days, and had an opinion about everything (especially the commercialization of sports), which was usually followed by a pun that was perfect for the situation. Though Tom couldn’t get out much, he still managed to express his love and appreciation to Teresa for her devoted caregiving (especially in the past few months) by learning how to shop online and ordering her favorite flowers, candy, and Pandora charms.

Tom is survived by his wife of almost 52 years, Teresa, his children Jennifer (Brian) Arnold, Jeffrey (Leslie) Bauman, grandchildren Alex, Lily, Emmy and Dylan, brothers John (Kathy) and Dennis (Barb), honorary little siblings Debbie, Sandy and Steve, his beloved cat Molly, and 8 nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, and his cherished kitties Benny, Mike, and Ginger. A private, informal celebration of Tom’s life will take place with close family. Tom wanted everyone to remember him as he was. Cremation has taken place. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family on Tom’s tribute wall at detroitcremationsociety.com.