Raymond Edward Bauer

Raymond Edward Bauer, age 74, of Mountain Home, Arkansas, went to Heaven on October 11, 2024.

Ray was born on January 25, 1950, in Chicago, Illinois, to Clarence and Alice Evans Bauer. After graduating from Luther South in 1968, he served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. He married Kathleen Behnke on January 24, 1976, in St. Charles, Illinois. Shortly after, they moved to Arkansas where he and his father started a fishing rod manufacturing business, Rebrod. He had an innate talent for designing and developing custom rods. In addition to making rods for companies like L.L. Bean and Cabela’s, he took pride in creating rods for his own label, The Global Dorber Group. His work was his passion.

Ray was baptized into a life of faith on February 19, 1950. After his service in the Navy, Ray volunteered with the youth at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in St. Charles, where he met his wife, Kathy. After moving to Arkansas, Ray was an active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, serving as an elder, trustee, and chairman of the call committee. Most recently, he was a member of First United Methodist Church. Ray was a sports enthusiast and (usually) enjoyed rooting for the Chicago Bears and Missouri Tigers. He loved coaching, especially soccer, softball, and baseball, and he helped organize the Twin Lakes Soccer Association. His greatest joy was coaching his two kids, and he never missed a game. He also loved woodworking, fixing up his ’68 Stingray, and spending time on the lake. Most of all, Ray loved his family and being a father and grandfather.

Ray is survived by his wife, Kathy, and their two children: son Andy (Melanie) Bauer, and daughter Lindsey Bauer, both of Oklahoma City, OK. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Camryn, Leighton, Carson, and Kellyn Bauer; his brother, Bob (Joan) Bauer; brothers-in-law Bob (Sue) Behnke and Steve (Brenda) Behnke; a sister-in-law, Debbie (Chuck) Burich; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Alice Bauer, and his niece, Brittany Behnke. He will be greatly missed by his family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, November 11, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church of Mountain Home, with Reverend Daniel Thueson and Reverend Ken Lampe officiating. Military Honors will follow, provided by the Alley White American Legion Post #52 and the United States Navy Honor Guards. The service will be streamed online (www.fumcmh.org). In lieu of lowers, memorial contributions may be made to Backpack Food 4 Kids or First United Methodist Church of Mountain Home. Arrangements are entrusted to Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services of Mountain Home, Arkansas. For further details, you may visit the online obituary and guestbook at www.kirbyandfamily.com.