Alton Bauman

Alton R. Bauman, age 94, died on June 29, 2010 in Norristown, PA. He was born on December 28, 1915 in East Greenville, PA, to the late John K. Bauman and Elsie Renninger Bauman. Alton lived most of his life in East Greenville, PA, where he owned Bauman Cleaners with his brother, Ernest. He was a devoted husband of the late Catherine Hoover and later of Grace Rader. Alton was the father of David (married to Linda Martin), Carol (married to Charles Hagan) and Penny (married to Jon Schaffer) and was “Pop-pop” to six grandchilden: Beth Hagan Haltmeier, Greg Hagan, Karin Bauman Cross, Michael Bauman, Kaitlyn Schaffer and Isaak Schaffer. He was “Greatgrandpop” to three greatgrandchildren: Garrett Haltmeier, Maura Haltmeier and Robert Haltmeier. Three of Alton’s siblings survive him: Ernest, Mary Fox and June Custer, and four siblings predeceased him: Violet, Paul, Clarence, and Robert.

Alton graduated from East Greenville High School in 1933. After working at several jobs in the local area, Alton and his brother, Ernest, opened their dry cleaning business on Main Street in East Greenville in 1938. On July 19, 1941 he married Catherine Hoover and they began their married life in an apartment above the business. In 1942 he entered the army to serve in WWII and was stationed in northern India for two years. He returned home to his wife and three year old son in 1946. He and his brother continued to operate the dry cleaning business until it was sold in 1987.

Alton was a lifelong member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in East Greenville and regularly sang in the choir’s bass section. He served on the church council for many years and was involved in the life of the church along with his family. He passed his love of music on to his children, and he sang with the Upper Perkiomen Community Choir for several years. Alton was an active member of the business community, serving on the borough council and the Upper Perkiomen Industrial Development Corp from its inception.

Throughout his life Alton participated in active sports, from football, basketball and baseball in high school with his brothers, to golf in his later years. He was an avid tennis player for over 30 years, winning many trophies and playing competitively with men half his age. Town and Country recognized Alton as one of the pioneers of the sport of tennis in the Upper Perkiomen Valley. In his later years he also enjoyed traveling to various parts of the US and Europe.

Alton was a kind and generous man, always gracious and considerate, a true gentleman. He lived his life with integrity and faithfulness to his commitments. He will be missed.

Services will be held at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Main Street, East Greenville at 11 AM on Saturday July 3, 2010. The family will receive friends and relatives from 10 AM to 11 AM. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the choir fund at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in East Greenville. Interment is in the St. Mark’s Cemetery following the service. A luncheon will be served for family and friends in the church basement following the burial. Arrangements are by Mann-Slonaker Funeral Home, East Greenville. Please visit www.mann-slonakerfuneralhome.com to share your memories and offer online condolences to the family.