Monique Jeanne Baum

Born May 19, 1936 in Joigny, France, the world was given a wonderful woman: Monique Jeanne Emile Hocquart. Living in France during WWII profoundly influenced her.  She learned to be clever and quick witted, independent, and appreciative of every little positive word or kindness.  While she did speak of her experiences as a child, it felt like her life really started when a handsome young Airmen, Howard Wesley Baum, Jr. saw the strikingly beautiful young girl in a red coat one day, bringing the little girl of an American couple stationed at the U.S. Air Force supply unit, to the French garrison, in Pont-a-Mousson.  Monique was her babysitter and was learning English through reading the little Golden Books to the girl.  The young American couple invited Monique to go to the base with them one evening to play Bingo and dance.  However, before they got to the NCO Club, they stopped to pick up the dashing America airmen. And while there is much, much more to the story…suffice it to say…they lived happily ever after!

The two were married in Pont-a-Mousson, France on May 15 ^th , 1953.  Soon thereafter, they moved to Bitburg, Germany where Howard W. Baum the III was born.  By 1955, they were stateside again and expecting.  Wesley had gotten out of the Air Force at this time and was working for the railroad in Slaton, TX.  It became clear that rejoining the AF was the best move, so off they went again to Amarillo, Texas, where Glen S. Baum was born.  Then in 1960, Wesley was stationed in Italy, which turned out to be one of their most enjoyable assignments.  Monique fit right in with the happy- go- lucky Italians who immediately embraced her.  There are so many more stories here as well!  By 1966, Gabrielle Marie Victorine Baum was born.  Wesley and Monique continued to PCS and travel until Wes retired in Aurora, Colorado.  In addition to being an Air Force wife and mother, Monique worked part-time jobs and took excellent care of her family.   Can you imagine eating gourmet French food all the time!

They moved to Abilene Texas in 1981 and lived there happily together until 2010.  They travelled back to Europe numerous times and all over the United States.  On Dec. 12, 2010, her heart was broken when her dashing American ‘knight in shining armor’ succumbed to cancer.   She trudged on, proud of her sons and daughter, but she became weary and missed Wes so much.  She was a cat lover, and her best, furry friend Alex the Maine Coon cat was with her until 2019.  She was blessed with grandchildren, great grandchildren, and even great- great grandchildren.

Those who knew her well, enjoyed her stories and kind nature.  She was a “lady!”  Gentle and sweet, but feisty when needed.  On July 21, 2020, she left this world to be with her Lord and the love of her life.  While as a family we grieve the passing of our family’s matriarch, we rejoice in know that Wesley and Monique are “together forever.”

Monique is survived by Howard W. Baum III and his spouse Virginia in Florida; Glen Baum and his spouse John Winn in Austin, Texas; Gabrielle Fletcher and her spouse Ray Fletcher in Gainesville, Texas. In addition, grandchildren Leslie Van Patton & her spouse Don, and Brandon Baum; great granddaughter Brittany Torre and her spouse Jerry; and great-great grandchildren Kyler and Kaden Torre.   A small private family interment will be held at Fairview Cemetery.  However, on May 19, 2021 (time and place to be announced), the family will hold a Celebration of Life.  The family hopes at this time, travel restrictions will be lessened, and all family and friends will be able to gather to honor the life of Monique J. Baum.  In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to Noah’s Ark- the local animal shelter in her name.