March 15, 1934 ~ February 10, 2025
E.L. "Tug" Baughn, 90, passed away on February 10, 2025, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.
Born on March 15, 1934, Tug grew up in Oklahoma. He was one of eleven children to Richard and Iva Baughn. He began his education in Okmulgee County at Osage Hills grade school, graduating from Beggs High School in 1952. In 1959, he moved his family to Kentucky to attend Murray State University, graduating with degrees in Chemistry and Biology. In 1964, he began his career with Phillips Petroleum at the Plastics Technical Center and later transitioned into Human Resources as a college recruiter, where he made a lasting impact on many young professionals.
Beyond his career, Tug had a deep passion for sports. He dedicated 50 years to officiating basketball and football games. As a young man, he excelled at fast pitch softball and is in the Oklahoma Softball Hall of Fame. He coached American Legion Baseball from 1975 to 1978, leading the Indians to state titles in 1976 and 1978. All of these accomplishments led to his induction into the Bartlesville Sports Hall of Fame in 2013. A devoted fan of the Saint Louis Cardinals and the OKC Thunder, he found great joy in watching the games he loved.
Tug was a member of First Wesleyan Church in Bartlesville, where his kindness and unwavering faith touched many lives. He volunteered at Jane Phillips Hospital for 25 years with patient relations, comforting patients and providing support for their families.
He was a friend to all, quick-witted and loved a good story. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father, papa and big papa.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Phyllis Jean Baughn of Bartlesville; sons Stan Baughn and wife Donna of Bartlesville, and David Baughn and wife Deanne of Derby, UK; grandchildren Taylor Baughn of Albuquerque, NM, Jared Baughn of Bartlesville, OK, Kendall Toole and husband Chris of Denver, CO, J.R. Dixon-Baughn of Collinsville, OK, Caden Baughn and wife Caitlyn of Dewey, OK, and Brydan Baughn of Dewey, OK; and great-grandchildren Paisley, Adelina, and Easton Baughn of Bartlesville, James Baughn of Dewey and Lainey Dixon of Collinsville. He was preceded in death by his sons Steven Keith Baughn and Richard Gregory Baughn.
A celebration of Tug’s life will be held at First Wesleyan Church in Bartlesville on Saturday, February 15 at 2:00 p.m.