Keith Alan Bauman, 62, of Temple, Texas, died April 29, 2026, at his home. Sergeant First Class Bauman served in the U.S. Army from Dec. 29, 1986, until his retirement on April 30, 2008, completing more than 21 years of dedicated service. He entered the Army in 1986, attending basic training at Fort Dix, N.J., and advanced individual training at Fort Eustis, Va., where he trained as a UH-60 helicopter mechanic. Throughout his career, he held numerous leadership and technical positions of increasing responsibility, including crew chief, squad leader, platoon sergeant, technical inspector and aircraft maintenance supervisor. In April 2006, he assumed his final duty position as aircraft maintenance supervisor in the 615th Aviation Support Battalion’s Support Operations Section. Born Sept. 25, 1963, in Festus, he was the son of Peggy Lou Bauman Henson of Festus and the late Charles Eugene “Chuddy” Bauman. He was the stepson of the late Robert “Bob” Henson.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife: Laquita Bauman; three children: Nevaehly and Laiton of Temple and Taylor Bauman of Gatesville; a sister: Karen (Doug) Beckham of Festus; a niece: Samantha Beckham; two nephews: Darren (Audrey) of Missouri and Charles Bauman III of Illinois; and many other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by a brother: Charles "Chuck" Bauman II.
A memorial service with military honors was held May 9 at Canyon Creek Baptist Church in Temple, Texas. Arrangements were under the direction of Hewett-Arney Funeral Home of Temple.