Raymond Bauer

Raymond E. Bauer, 94, of Gas, Kansas, died Sunday, February 24, 2013, at Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center in Chanute surrounded by his loving family. Raymond was born August 1, 1918, in Ransom, KS, the son of Conrad and Katherine (Kraft) Bauer. During his youth he worked cattledrives, 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, KS, and 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 City 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, accordian, 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. SURVIVORS: 1 Son: Donald R. Bauer & wife, Sharon of Gas, KS 1 Daughter: Kathy Williams & husband, Jerry of Chanute, KS 5 Siblings: John Bauer of Arnold, KS, Godfrey Bauer of California, Nora Edwards of Jetmore, KS, Annie Mollenkamp and Verda Ochs both of Arnold, KS and a number of nieces and nephews 4 Grandchildren: Jeff Bauer & wife, Cherri of Gas, Robyn Koester & husband, Bill of Gardner, KS, Heather Phillips & husband, Neil of Chanute, KS and Amber Neely & husband, Dusty of Lawrence, KS 7 Great Grandchildren: Andrew Bauer & fiancé Amanda Hall, Tasha Bauer & companion Matt Cole, Kaitlyn Stotler & husband Joe, Tyler Koester, Kristyn Koester, Paden Phillips & fiancé Kristi Pangburn and Luke Phillips 1 Great Great Grandchild: Bentley Stotler 3 Step-Grandchildren and Step-Great Grandchildren: Jeff Williams & wife Lea, children Dayna & Madison of Sabetha, KS; Jason Williams & wife, Lori, children Britton, Kylee & Tayah of Hawk Point, MO and Jenna Haver & son Riley of Sedan, KS Faithful Dog & 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: 6:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013, at the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola. FUNERAL SERVICE: 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013, at the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola. BURIAL: Highland Cemetery, Iola, Kansas MEMORIAL CHOICES: American Cancer Society or American Heart Association Memorial gifts may be left with the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be left on this website, www.iolafuneral.com .