John Theodore Baur, Jr., a beloved resident of Malvern, Pennsylvania, passed away unexpectedly on December 2, 2024, at the age of 58. Known to his family and a wide circle of friends as a man of immense kindness, love, and humor, John left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered. His warm smile and rosy cheeks had a way of making people feel instantly welcomed and valued; to many, he was affectionately known as a gentle giant. A proud graduate of Great Valley High School’s class of 1985, John channeled his entrepreneurial spirit into owning and successfully running Baur Pool Service and Supplies, a testament to his hard work and dedication. The arrangements for John Baur Jr.’s passing are being handled with care and compassion by John Givnish Funeral Home, ensuring a respectful and dignified farewell.
For 28 wonderful years, John shared his life with his devoted wife, Maureen. Their marriage was a true partnership, filled with laughter and mutual adoration. Together, they raised two exceptional children, Sydney and Evan, who were the center of John’s world. He was the kind of father who would drop everything to be there for his kids, a constant source of support and love. John was the cherished son of Nina Hendricks Baur and was predeceased by his father, John T. Baur, Sr. He was a loving brother to Lisa Baur Chermack (and her husband Bob) and Joan Baur Pelham, and a much-loved uncle to numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom will deeply miss his presence in their lives.
John’s heart belonged to the outdoors. His “Happy Place” was undoubtedly the Baur family cabin nestled in Hillsgrove, Pennsylvania. Here, surrounded by nature, John was in his element. Whether he was fishing in a tranquil stream, patiently waiting for a hunt, or simply relaxing by a crackling fire, the cabin was his sanctuary. Music was also a key part of John’s life, with a diverse taste ranging from the country rock of Charlie Daniels to the iconic sounds of Pink Floyd and the heavy metal riffs of Black Sabbath. These were the soundtracks to his happy place, often enjoyed with a Miller Highlife in hand, perhaps followed by a celebratory shot of Jose Cuervo. Summer vacations to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, were another cherished tradition. John’s childlike enthusiasm for the ocean was infectious. He could spend hours in the water, as thrilled as his children to dig for sand crabs or construct elaborate drip castles. These beach trips allowed Maureen some precious downtime to relax with a book under the umbrella, at least until John’s playful side emerged, often involving the mischievous feeding of seagulls a little too close for comfort.
A true culinary enthusiast, John reigned supreme at the grill. His burgers and ribs were legendary, and those fortunate enough to sample his world-famous omelets, bacon, and scrapple knew they were in for a treat. John was also incredibly considerate when it came to food, always making sure to accommodate everyone’s preferences, even catering to the family dog, Grits. He found joy in cooking for and sharing meals with his loved ones. However, when it came to sweets, John had a well-known sweet tooth and a tendency to hoard his candy. His family anticipates discovering his secret candy stashes around the house for months to come, a testament to his playful and slightly mischievous nature.
John’s playful teasing was a defining characteristic, so much so that his sister-in-law, Karen Murphy, coined the term “Johnisms” to describe his antics. These “Johnisms” ranged from pretending to sneeze on his birthday cake just as he was about to blow out the candles, to feigning forgetfulness about something important only to produce it from his pocket moments later, much to everyone’s relief and amusement. His friends affectionately nicknamed him “the boy who cried wolf” due to his frequent, good-natured pranks, such as shouting “Oh look, there’s a bear!” or “Look at that 12-point buck!” just to elicit a reaction. John’s ultimate goal was always to lighten the mood and bring a smile to the faces of those around him.
The family invites all who knew and loved John to join them in a celebration of his remarkable life. This gathering will be held on Friday, December 13, 2024, from 12 pm to 4 pm at VFW Post 106, located at 837 Lincoln Avenue, West Chester, PA 19380. For those wishing to offer condolences or learn more about John Givnish Funeral Home’s services, please visit www.maugergivnish.com. John’s memory will forever be cherished by those who were lucky enough to know him, and his legacy of kindness and laughter will continue to resonate.
