George Otis Daum

George Otis Daum, age 73, a native of Elgin, IL., and resident of Ocean Springs, MS for over 33 years, passed away peacefully in Ocean Springs Hospital on March 13, 2025.

He is preceded in death by his father, Lyle Daum; and mother in law, Hazel Shaub Wilson.

Left behind to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 38 years, Kim Wilson Daum; his mother, Patricia L. Bruce; his son Michael D. Daum; his siblings, Larry A. Daum, and Lori A. Gallagher (Tom), niece,  Alex Gallagher (Alex)  and nephew, Spencer Gallaher, father-in-law, Edmond Wilson,  along with numerous other relatives and dear friends.

George attended Community College of the Air Force from 1971-1973, and completed the NCO Academy in November 1989.

He served in the USAF for 20 years and 6 months in the field of Occupational Therapy. The draft was in full swing when he enlisted into the US Air Force. He completed basic training at Lackland AFB, San Antonio, TX, and technical school at Sheppard AFB, Wichita Falls, TX. During his military career he was stationed at Wilford Hall Medical Center (TX) 1971-80, USAF hospital Wiesbaden (Germany) 1980-1983, and Sheppard AFB Hospital (TX) 1983-1991. He met and married, the love of his life, Kim. While at Sheppard, he was the NCOIC of Occupational Therapy Services and attained the rank of MSGT/E7. He received the following awards: AF Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster; AF Achievement Medal; AF Outstanding Unit Award with one oak leaf cluster; AF Organizational Excellence Award; AF Good Conduct Medal with five oak leaf clusters; National Defense Service Medal with one bronze service star; AF Overseas Long Tour Ribbon; AF Longevity Service Award Ribbon.

In addition to clinical duties in the military, George was Superintendent of the Base and Hospital Moulage Team, President of the Hospital Athletic Council; Hospital Liaison to the Base Sports Advisory Council; Member of the Base Exercise Evaluation Team; Hospital Hazardous Materials Destruction Officer; Member of the Sheppard Medical Unit Red Flag Steering Committee and Cadre. In his spare time, he refereed intramural flag football and volleyball, and also played in men’s softball, intramural volleyball and bowling.

After military retirement, George was employed by Nova Care, Inc. and Community Eldercare, LLC.

George loved playing table games, movies (he had over 400 DVDs), watching sports on TV, and going to the casinos. He loved to talk about sports with his family and anyone else who would listen. He had a soft spot for animals especially his own. George especially loved to play golf with his brother whenever they were together.

George was a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association. He made donations every year to the American Legion, in honor of his father who served in the US Navy, and to the Humane Society of So. MS. He was member of St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Ocean Springs.

The Daum family would like to recognize and give a special thank you to the nurses, therapists of Deaconess Home Health, and the nurses, doctors, Chaplin, and staff of the northwest wing, MICU and SICU at Ocean Springs Hospital for the professional loving care they provided to George and his wife Kim; We would also like to thank the first responders and the Ocean Springs Fire Department, specifically Station #1, who responded several times to our home and to our extended family, and supportive friends.

A graveside service will be held at Biloxi National Cemetery, 400 Veterans Blvd. in Biloxi on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with full military honors being rendered.

A gathering of family and close friends will follow at the Riemann Family Funeral Home, located at 13872 Lemoyne Blvd., Biloxi, in West Jackson County immediately following burial.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Legion, 2424 Bienville Blvd., Ocean Springs, MS or The Humane Society of South Mississippi at Hssm.org

The Riemann Family Funeral Home, 13872 Lemoyne Blvd. Biloxi in West Jackson County is proudly serving the Daum family. Memories, condolences, and photos can be shared by visiting our website at www.riemannfamily.com