Eli M. Oboler Library

O. R. Baum - Brief Biographical Sketch
MC038

(From the Idaho State Journal, 12/7/1970)

Judge O.R. Baum, 83, of 648 South Sixth, a prominent Pocatello lawyer and fraternal and civic leader, died at his home Sunday morning after a short illness.

He was born May 1, 1887 at Phillipsburg, Kansas to George and Laverna Hill Baum. He received his LLB degree from the University of Kansas in 1910, came to Idaho and practiced law at Gooding for two years. He then moved to American Falls and served as prosecuting attorney in 1912 and 1913. He was elected judge of the Fifth Judicial District in 1919 and served until 1929. He then practiced law in Pocatello in the firm of Baum and Peterson.

He was an organizer and board member of the Guaranty Federal Savings and Loan Assn., Pocatello; a former board chairman of the Commercial State Bank of Boise; served as a board member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco for six years; and served for several years as a member of the Uniform Laws Committee of the American Bar Assn.

He served as chairman and board member of the board of trustees for the BPO Elks Lodge No. 674 for 30 years, was a member of Keystone Lodge No. 81, AF & AM; the Pocatello Scottish Rite Bodies, and El Korah Shrine for Boise. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church.

Active in politics, he served on many committees for the Republican Party including the county central committee.

He married Vera Oliver at American Falls in 1911. She and a son, Robert, preceded him in death.

Survivors are a brother, Harold Baum, Fort Collins, Colo.; a granddaughter, Robbie Jean Baum, Clark, Colo., and nephews, Vaughn Baum, Lincoln, Neb., and Gail Baum, Scottsbluff, Neb.

Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the First United Presbyterian Church with Rev. Jo Austin Lininger officiating.

Ritualistic services will be given by BPO Elk Lodge No. 674 at the graveside in Mount Moriah cemetery with Judge Arthur P. Oliver, Exalted Ruler, in charge.

The Downard Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Memorials will be accepted for the Shrine Hospital for Crippled Children at Salt Lake City.

Last Modified: 07/07/2008 kk