Raymond E. Bauer, 94, Gas, died Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013, at Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center in Chanute surrounded by his loving family.
Raymond was born Aug. 1, 1918, in Ransom, the son of Conrad and Katherine (Kraft) Bauer. During his youth he worked cattle drives, worked on the railroad and joined the CCC Corps fighting fires and building ranger stations.
On April 8, 1939, Raymond married Wyonna E. Johnson in Beeler. They moved to the Iola area in 1951. They enjoyed trips to New Orleans and Las Vegas. She preceded him in death July 30, 1987.
Raymond farmed most of his life and supplemented his income with carpentry and road construction jobs. His son, Don, assisted in farming while Raymond managed the Agri-Farm Store and the Co-op. During his retirement years he worked for Western Auto.
Raymond served on the Gas school board and was instrumental in building the new school in Gas. He also served as township tax assessor and clerk for a number of years. He served on the ASCS board for agriculture for several years and on the board of directors for rural electric. While on the REA board, he was sent to Costa Rica to assist in establishing rural electric there.
Throughout his lifetime he enjoyed polka music. He played the fiddle, accordion, saxophone and harmonica. He and his friends formed a polka band. He also enjoyed boxing and playing basketball, woodworking and motor repair.
He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather.
He is survived by one son, Donald R. Bauer and wife Sharon, Gas; one daughter, Kathy Williams and husband Jerry, Chanute; five siblings, John Bauer, Arnold, Godfrey Bauer, California, Nora Edwards, Jetmore, Annie Mollenkamp and Verda Ochs, Arnold; a number of nieces and nephews; four grandchildren, Jeff Bauer and wife Cherri, Gas, Robyn Koester and husband Bill, Gardner, Heather Phillips and husband Neil, Chanute, and Amber Neely and husband Dusty, Lawrence; seven great-grandchildren, Andrew Bauer and fiancé Amanda Hall, Tasha Bauer and companion Matt Cole, Kaitlyn Stotler and husband Joe, Tyler Koester, Kristyn Koester, Paden Phillips and fiancé Kristi Pangburn and Luke Phillips; one great-great-grandchild, Bentley Stotler; three step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren, Jeff Williams and wife Lea, children Dayna and Madison, Sabetha, Jason Williams and wife Lori, children Britton, Kylee and Tayah, Hawk Point, Mo., and Jenna Haver and son Riley, Sedan; and his faithful dog and best friend, Buddy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, infant daughter Rayonna Jo, and brothers Dave, Charlie, Herman, Jake and Curtis.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel, Iola.
Funeral service will be at 2 p.m., Wednesday, at Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel.
Burial will be at Highland Cemetery, Iola.
Memorial choices are American Cancer Society or American Heart Association and may be left with Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel.
Online condolences for the family may be left at www.iolafuneral.com.
Raymond Bauer
