June 3, 1937 – January 11, 2022
Richard “Dick” Ross Bauer, 84, of Indianapolis, IN passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, surrounded by his loved ones.
Richard was born June 3, 1937, in Bloomington, IN to parents Michael and Blanche Bauer and was one of fourteen children.
Richard is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Dorothy Bauer (née Todd); daughters Kimberly Bauer (husband Eric Hatfield), Teresa Bauer Pruett Staggs (husband Greg Staggs) and Christina Bauer Sullivan (husband Matt Sullivan), brother Bill Bauer (wife Sandy), sister Alice Bennett; 8 grandsons (Randy, Richard, and Samuel Pruett, Dustin Staggs, Jacob, Joshua, and Elijah Hatfield and Jonah Sullivan) and four step-grandchildren Charity Herold, Lacie Adcock, Casey, and Rocky Staggs, and a multitude of cherished nieces and nephews.
Richard was the epitome of a “hard worker.” He retired in 2008 after 39 years with General Motors in Bedford, IN as a tool and die maker. A graduate of Bloomington High School, Richard enlisted in the Navy and served 4 years. Later in life, he served in the Amy reserve, as a Drill Sergeant. Richard taught vocational-technical classes in Anderson, IN and Bedford North Lawrence H.S. Richard pursued several entrepreneurial endeavors including his real estate broker’s license in 1979, Bauer Property Management, D&D Rentals, and Abilene Construction, revitalizing nearly 100 homes in Lawrence County. Richard was a member of United Auto Workers (UAW) and the American Legion. He also mentored youngsters as a Boy Scout Leader. He attended the First Assembly of God church with Dorothy.
Richard had a passion for golf that began when he started caddying at 8 years old. He continued to play up until the last year of his life. He participated in many tournaments & scrambles, won many, and enjoyed golf trips to Myrtle Beach and Biloxi. He always got a kick out of betting his playing partners and often collecting on those wagers. Dick thought side bets made anything more interesting. A lifelong Chicago Cubbies fan and a Bears fan. He loved bowling, softball, croquet, and Lawn darts. He also enjoyed the occasional trip to the track to admire the horses and greyhounds and taught his daughters fractions via the odds board and how to create a trifecta. He loved country music and his favorite artist was Hank Williams. When it came time to dance, Richard had a truly unique style that resembled what many described as “a chicken scratching and catching raindrops”. It was truly a style all his own.
Richard’s greatest love in life was his wife, three daughters, and their children. He lived and worked diligently to provide for his family. He loved his home filled with family, friends, and his children’s friends. The door was always opened, and many requested his advice. Richard would give the shirt off his back to help someone in need, a friend, or a stranger. He touched many lives throughout his time on this earth and that is the legacy that he will leave behind.
A celebration of life will take place at the Milwaukee Depot on the corner of 15th & J streets, Bedford, IN, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, January 15th. Family and friends are invited to attend as we honor the life of Richard Bauer. Private cremation services will be held at a later date.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, 6 brothers, Bob, Dan, Chuck, Jerry, Bill (surviving), Jimmy and Jacky, and 5 sisters Gladys Ratchford, Betty Foster, Alice Bennett (surviving) Judy Brown, and Linda Hancock. Fond memories and condolences can be placed on his Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/richard.bauer.1466
