Obituary of Richard William Bauer

Richard William Bauer Sr. was born in Hawthorne, California on December 22, 1943 and was received by the Lord on December 12 2012 He was a very proud Marine that served his country honorably. A part of him never came back from overseas. His heart remained with the MIA's and fellow soldiers that never returned home. Haunted from 1965 with the ghosts of his past, he struggled to overcome the survivor's guilt. He was finally relieved of this lifetime affliction on Veterans Day, November 12, 2012, when he was finally welcomed home and thanked for his service to his country. He taught his children to give from the heart, and how to be kind to those that suffer. Many holidays were spent with countless homeless people that were panhandling, being dragged to holiday dinners with his family. He brought home many strays, and would, and did, give the shirt off his back. He loved his wife more than life itself, and was always reminding her that he was her knight in shining armor. But we all know she saved him. He was a very protective father and shed many a tear over his sometimes rebellious brood. He was very proud of all of his children and grandchildren. He never met his great-grandson Skyler, but he couldn't believe he had lived to see the day he was a great grandfather. Family members include Fatima, his wife of 41 years; children Coreen (Bill), Richard, Nicole and Gabriel (Amber); grandsons Alan and Aubery; great-grandson Skyler. Service 3:30pm December 22nd 2012 at KOGFDC, 8808 Pacific Ave South, Tacoma, WA. Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free. I'm following the path that God laid for me. I took his hand when I heard his call, I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, to laugh, to love, to work, to play... Tasks left undone must stay that way. I have found peace at the end of the day, and if my parting has left a void, then fill it with a remembered joy... a friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss... ah yes! These things I to shall miss! Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you all sunshine for tomorrow. My life's been full, I've savored much... good friends, good times, a loved ones touch. Perhaps my time seemed all to brief, don't lengthen it now with undo grief. Lift up your heart and share with me, God wanted me now, he set me free.