Erik Hogan Baum of Jacksonville Beach, Florida, passed away unexpectedly on February 16, 2023 at the age of 32.

Erik was born in Jacksonville, Florida on October 8, 1990, to Kenneth and Michele Baum. As a young boy, he played baseball and absolutely loved skateboarding. It was during this time he developed his own sense of fashion—from various hairstyles, to the trendiest clothes and an endless collection of shoes. Erik graduated from Orange Park High School in 2009 and enlisted to serve in the United States Air Force in 2010—one of Erik’s proudest achievements. He graduated from basic training in front of his entire family and he never let us forget how special that was for him. Erik loved working with his hands and quickly found his niche as an extremely skilled Aircraft Structural Maintenance Specialist. He was awarded AF Outstanding Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and many service ribbons. While enlisted, Erik served in Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan War) and was deployed to Qatar, Dubai during 2012. He was stationed at the Royal Air Force Base in Mildenhall, England, UK from 2013 to 2015.

Erik always had a love for travel, but during his time in England, his passion flourished. Besides traveling all over England, he often visited Romania, Greece, and other surrounding countries for weekend getaways. After his return home, he continued his craft as a Maintenance Specialist at the Naval Air Station (NAS) in Jacksonville, Florida.

Erik absolutely loved the outdoors. This is where he thrived most. He learned to hunt and fish from his late father, Kenny and late great-uncle, Bobby. He also enjoyed offshore fishing in the Florida Keys with his late uncle, Keith and hunting deer in the fall with his late dad, Ken and late great-uncle, Bobby. Nothing pleased him more than bringing home his catch of the day and cooking up an amazing meal for his family and friends. Another one of Erik’s favorite past times was exploring the Florida Springs with his mom, Michele and sister, Brittany.

Most recently, Erik enjoyed working on the family farms in Alapaha, Georgia, with his late great-uncle Bobby. He had a special connection with the land and the family farms. He truly enjoyed helping Bobby plant and harvest his garden each season. Both Erik and Bobby were the family's source for farm fresh vegetables, pecans, citrus and other various fruits.

Erik is preceded by his father, Kenneth Lantz Baum, grandfather, Paul Hankins, aunt, Brenda Carswell, great-uncle Robert “Bobby” Hogan, uncle, Keith Baum, grandfather, Kenneth James Baum, grandmother, Helen Baum-Burch, and great-grandmother, Euna Mae Hogan-Lewis.

Erik is survived by his mother, Michele Baum, sister, Brittany Baum, grandmother, Betty Jo Hankins, cousins Bryan Carswell (April), Katie Carter (Matt) and aunt Emma Hankins.

Erik was strong-willed, good-hearted, very spiritual, and loved by so many. His family, friends and all who had the pleasure of knowing him will miss him deeply.

There will be a life celebration for Erik on April 1st, 2023 at 11:00 AM. Please join us at the First Christian Church located at 11924 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL.

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