On behalf of the Maryland State Police Alumni Association, we sadly report the loss of one of “Maryland’s Finest,” D/Sgt Elmer Louis Baum, MDSP, Retired.
OBITUARY
Elmer Louis Baum, 91, husband of Frances Elizabeth “Beth” Morris, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 1, 2023. He was a resident of Sumter, SC, formerly of Hagerstown, MD.
Born in Pittsburgh, PA, he was a son of the late Francis E. Baum and Helen V. Decker Baum.
Mr. Baum graduated from Hagerstown High School, Class of 1949. He was a proud veteran of the U. S. Navy, having served during the Korean War.
He retired from the Maryland State Police in 1985 with the rank of Detective Sergeant and then retired again from the Washington County (Maryland) States Attorney’s Office as an investigator in 1995. Upon retirement he moved to Sumter, SC for warmer weather and golf.
In his early years he played semi-pro football with the Waynesboro, PA Tigers Football Team and was very active with several teams in the Washington County Fast Pitch Softball League. He umpired softball and baseball games for many years.
He was a member of the American Legion Post #42, The Elks Club #378, and a lifetime member of the VFW.
He was a lifelong Catholic and attended Sunday Mass religiously.
Elmer is survived by his loving wife, Beth Morris of Sumter; his children, Randall L. Baum of Phoenix, AZ, Terri L. Farrington (Chuck) of Mt. Pleasant, NC, James E. Baum (Jill) of Clear Spring, MD and Sue A. Summerfelt (Steve) of Sharpsburg, MD. He is survived by seven grandchildren, Charles (Sierra) Farrington, Ella Kanode (Stephen), Patrick Farrington, Andrea Baum, Thomas Summerfelt, Helen Summerfelt and Nick Summerfelt. Also surviving him are his two great-grandchildren, Remington Kanode and Madelyn Farrington.
Elmer is preceded in death by a son, Thomas Louis Baum.
There will be no viewing or visitation. No flowers or memorials. Burial will be private.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 5 P.M. at The American Legion/Fairgrounds Building, 28 S. Artillery Drive, Sumter, SC.
Online condolences may be made at www.sumterfunerals.com
Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements.
You may share memories & condolences on the Tribute Wall here.
