Deacon Baumann's Obituary

The Rev. Mr. Richard Leo Baumann passed away at the age of 92 February 11, 2026. A native of Columbus, Deacon Richard was born November 15, 1933 to Herman and Catherine Haley Baumann. He graduated from St. Charles High, Columbus and studied at both the University of Notre Dame and Xavier University in Cincinnati. He went to work for Baumann Brothers Plumbing at age 15, eventually becoming the president of the business his father started. 

After retiring from the plumbing business, he worked as a parish administrator at St. Mary Church and then Our Lady of Victory, both in Columbus. Deacon Richard married Kathleen Mowery May 9, 1953, in Columbus. He was ordained to the Diaconate by the Most Reverend Edward Herrmann, Bishop of Columbus, June 6, 1976, at St. Joseph Cathedral. Deacon Richard served at Our Lady of Victory Church, Columbus, from his ordination until his retirement from active ministry in 2007. His ministries also included the Cursillo Movement, TEC (Teens Encounter Christ), Marriage Encounter, and adult Catholic education. 

Deacon Richard was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter Nikki Baumann Hester. Richard is survived by his beloved wife Kathleen; his children Kathi (David) Whisler, Vicki (Kevin) Rush, Lori (Jim) Yahner, Marci Ryan, Cindi (Charles) Hackney, Mark (Kathy) Baumann, Greg (Kim) Baumann, and Jeff Baumann; as well as his grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Altogether, his immediate family includes more than 100 people. He is also survived by his sisters Annie Upper and Susan Hochanadel. 

Calling hours are Monday, February 16, from noon to 3 p.m. at Our Lady of Victory Church Parish Hall, 1559 Roxbury Road, Columbus OH 43212. The Mass Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Victory at 3:30 p.m. by Fr. Jacques Kik. Dcns. Rob Joseph and Steve Petrill will be the assisting deacons, and Dcn. Rob will be the homilist. A dinner will follow in the Parish Hall. Interment will occur at a later date.