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Donald Raymond Bauer

11/30/1939 - 03/24/2017
Service Date: 04/04/2017
Service Time: 1:00 PM
Service Location: Wilder City Cemetery, Wilder, Idaho

Donald Raymond Bauer, 77, passed away Friday, March 24, 2017, at the Hospice of the Valley in Gilbert, Arizona with his wife at his side.  He was born in Jay, Delaware County, Oklahoma, November 30, 1939, to John Henry and Crystal Carl Talbert Bauer and was the youngest of five children.

The family moved to Wilder Idaho when Don was two years old.  He attended all 12 years of school in Wilder and graduated in 1958.  He joined the Army April 17, 1959 and was honorably discharged April 25, 1962.

After his service in the Army, he had several different occupations including truck driving, telephone repair and service, building construction and cable splicing.

Don married Helen Jean Smoot on February 10, 1973 in Las Vegas, Nevada.  They settled down in Parma where Don worked for the local telephone company.  In 1976, the bought Jay’s Drive-In in Parma which became known as The Burger Shack.  Several years later they sold the drive-in and Don went to Boise State University to become a Heating and Air Conditioning technician.  He graduated with Honors and started Bauer Heating and Air Conditioning which he ran until 1998.  While he owned his own business, he also worked for the Air Force in Mountain and then became the Facility Manager at the Wilder Radar site until it was closed.

Don retired in 1998 and he and Helen sold their home in Parma.  They eventually bought a home in Mesa, Arizona where Don put his knowledge of house construction to good use by adding a family room to their home and remodeling the house. He also did home remodeling and handyman jobs in Mesa.  Don and Helen split their time each year between Mesa in the winters and  the Caldwell area in the summers.

Don was an avid golfer, loved to fish, play cards and dice games and enjoyed spending time with the friends he made throughout his life.

Don was a member of the American Legion, Apache Junction Post No. 27 for 18 years.  He is survived by his wife, Helen, his daughter Lynann Stewart of Meridian, ID, granddaughter, Leslie Ann Stewart of Boise, ID, sister Lula Mae Nelson of Kennewick, WA, brother John (Joan) Bauer of Seattle, WA, and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his father and mother and brothers Gene and Carl Bauer.  Graveside services will be held Tuesday, April 4, 2017, at the Wilder City Cemetery in Wilder, ID at 1 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests you send contributions to Hospice of the Valley – Lund Home, 1982 E. Woodside Ct., Gilbert, AZ 85297.

Condolences

  • Lynann and family, I am very sorry to hear the sad news. Don sounded like a wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May you find comfort in your love and your memories.

  • Paul & Arlys Rearick

    It was fun getting to know Don & Helen! Such great people! We miss Don’s humor, but glad all his suffering has finally come to an end. God’s blessings of comfort and peace to you Helen. Lots of love and hugs!!

  • I will always remember Don and my mom sitting out there on the deck in Parker talking and chatting. What a great guy.

  • Was a pleasure to know Don. Glad I got to see him this winter.

  • He had to be wonderful man to have such a marvelous family. My love and prayers are with you and your family.

  • Sharon and Mark Foster

    We will miss our good times on the golf course together and the fun times at the 19th hole as well. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Helen and your family at this difficult time.

  • I loved Don’s smile and sense of humor. I think he tried so hard for a tough exterior but most knew he was a marshmallow inside. My heart aches for you Helen but I know, and you know, the two of you will be reunited again some day. Until then, try to focus on the wonderful memories with a healthy and happy Don.
    (Hugs)

  • Harold and Audrey Flones

    Sorry to hear of Dons passing, prayers to Helen and family

  • Playing golf with Don and Helen was a highlight of each year. Don was a life saver for me several times. It was a great blessing and pleasure to know him.

  • David and Janet Henry

    We always looked forward to seeing you and Don each winter and are so sad to see Don go. We will miss his witty conversations and generous smile. We must be comforted knowing he is peaceful now and no longer suffering.

  • Shelley Michaelson

    Loved the way he could “spin” a story! He will be sorely missed. God speed to loved ones left.

  • Nancy and John Warren

    Don will be missed! RIP in your “Pontoon Boat” in the sky!

  • Laurie Vincent

    I am so sorry for your loss. Although it’s difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may the good memories you had with your husband, dad and grandfather always put a smile in your heart.

  • Jerry and Joyce

    Don was a fun person to be with and will be missed by all who knew him. We especially loved the stories about his school days at Wilder High. May God comfort you in your loss.

  • To the family of Donald Raymond Bauer, I am truly sorry for your loss. I would like to send my sincere condolences. May you find true comfort in knowing that God is close to the broken-hearted as taken from Psalms 34:18. With sympathy, Evan.

  • Miles & Doreen Kuryvial

    Our condolences to Helen, Lynann and Leslie Ann.
    Don will certainly be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His comments and storytelling were always enjoyed. Love from your Canuck friends, Miles & Doreen

  • L. D. Hammons (Dwayne)

    Met and knew Don and Helen through my father Larry. Don will be very missed in this world.
    God Bless.
    Dwayne

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