Jean (Tyson) Saum

Obituary

Jean (Tyson) Saum, age 94, formerly of Stockton, Kansas, passed away on January 6th in Lakewood, Colorado.
Jean was born March 5, 1931, in Kansas City, Kansas, to Frank Tyson, a civil engineer, and Louise Gordon Tyson, a schoolteacher. She spent her early childhood in western Kansas before moving to Stockton, where she graduated with the Stockton High School Class of 1948. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from Kansas State University in 1952 and later pursued graduate studies at Ohio University.

Jean began her career as a reporter for the Hays Daily News and later served 12 years as an investigative reporter for a Colorado weekly newspaper. She went on to work in governmental affairs and public relations, including service as a congressional press secretary in Washington, D.C., and concluded her career as a public information officer for Jefferson County, Colorado. She remained active in civic and professional organizations and served eight years on the Lakewood City Council.

Family was Jean’s greatest joy. In 1952, she married her high school classmate and the love of her life, Donald Clare Saum. They shared nearly 70 years of marriage before his passing in 2021. She is survived by her children: Devin (Tressa) Saum, Kellie Saum; grandchildren Amber Schenck, Nicole Saum, and Ryan Saum; and great-grandchildren Jerry Schenck Flores, Ashlinn, and Lachlan Saum. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Saum; her son Kenton Saum; her parents; her brother, Francis Tyson; and great granddaughter Esmeralda Schenck.

Jean will be remembered for her intelligence, quick wit, strong opinions, adventurous spirit and deep loyalty to family and friends. She lived a full and remarkable life marked by curiosity, courage and commitment to her community. 

Gallery

Memory wall

June 29, 2026

Jean was a special woman in my life as well as my husband Warren's. Warren knew Jean and Don at Ohio U, where Don and Warren were Fraternity brothers. I met Jean when she and Don discovered us in Punta Gorda. For me it was love at first meeting. Jean was like an older sister to me. She and I shared many of the same ideas and values. And of course we both married Sigma Chi's! As couples we cruised together and shared Jean and Warren 's March birthdays in Costa Rica one year. I miss my conversations, the happy hours, and the grief of loosing our husbands I shared with Jean.

Donna Worthley

June 16, 2026

Jean loved Florida and entertaining her friends and family. Wish she could have made it back one last time..certainly miss her!

Tracy Burback

June 15, 2026

Aunt Jean’s visit to Minnesota in 2024. We are so grateful for the time we got to spend with her.

Jeff Tyson

June 12, 2026

Memories of celebrating Don and Jean’s 50th Wedding Anniversary with friends and family.

Devin and Tressa Saum

June 9, 2026

We miss you.

Devin and Tressa Saum

Service