Frank Ricks Bauman

BURLEY– Frank Ricks Bauman, age 91, of Burley, returned home to his Heavenly Father and family in the early morning hours of Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2014, in St. George, Utah.

Frank was born in Driggs, Idaho, on Aug. 12, 1923, to Frank and Mary Elizabeth Ricks Bauman. He was their firstborn child. Frank grew up in Driggs and was a hard worker. When it came war time he decided to enlist and serve his country. He loved planes and the thought of being able to fly. He applied to the United States Army Air Force and became a bomber pilot. During his service, he was shot down over Germany on a raid and was subsequently captured. He was held as a Prisoner of War for about a year until the war ended.

He met Elaine Stowell, the love of his life, and they were married on June 11, 1946. They were blessed with two children, Becky and Bill. After moving a couple of times, Frank and his family settled down in Burley and made it their home. He was a tire dealer for most of his life. First, he had ownership in a Big O Tires store, then later, he held partnership in Tires West. After retiring from the tire industry, he was elected and served for two terms as the mayor of Burley. Frank tried his best to help people and be honest with them. He liked to water ski when he was younger, and enjoyed golfing later in life.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Elaine; his children, Becky and Bill; and many friends.

He is survived by his two sisters, Mary Tingey, and Josephine Durtschi; two grandsons, Bruce (Lorene) Briscoe of St. George, Utah, and James (Heidi) Briscoe of Houston, Texas; and nine great-grandchildren (five from James and four from Bruce).

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, at the Burley LDS 3rd and 7th Ward Church, 2200 Oakley Ave., with Bishop David Hansen officiating. Burial will follow at Gem Memorial Gardens in Burley with military rites provided by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Organization.

Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Saturday at the church.