William D. “Bill” Bauer, 79, of Crestline, passed away on Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at his home in Crestline, after a two-year illness.
Bill was born in Crestline on August 6, 1938 to the late Albert and LoVanche (Harbaugh) Bauer. He married Sandra Jane (Fisher) Bauer on April 6, 1957 and she survives him.
Bill was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Crestline where he was the church gardener. Bill was known as the “Candyman” in church because he always had suckers, Werther’s Originals, and mints to pass out to children and adults alike. The children would call him “Mr. Bill” as he rediscovered his faith and got involved with church activities. Bill and Sandy volunteered together at Meals on Wheels as part of their church ministry. Bill worked at PPG for thirty-nine years as a glass line operator. He enjoyed golfing, flowers and birdwatching. Bill would keep a book of birds by his chair to identify those birds that would visit his yard. Bill was definitely a family man. He followed his children’s and grandchildren’s school activities and his family always came first. He also enjoyed woodworking to the point of remodeling his home where he grew up and raised his own children. During the remodeling of this home, his brothers assisted him. The story goes that the three brothers were much like the Bob Newhart Cast. Bob was Larry, and told everyone what to do, Ned and Bill were Darryl and Darryl, the silent remodelers. Bill passed his carpentry skills on to his son. Bill thought of everyone else first.
In addition to his wife he is survived by his children; Sharon K. and Gerald Schwall, St. Augustine, FL, William D. and Peggy Bauer, Jr., Columbia, SC, Susan A. and Sean Harley, Westerville, Patricia L. and David Schwall, Galion, six grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, his sister, Phyllis and Gene Neer, Green Valley, AZ, his brother, Ned and Donna Bauer, Crestline, and his sister-in-law, Judith Bauer, Crestline.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his two brothers, John Bauer and Robert Bauer; and several nephews.
The Bauer family would like to thank their family and friends for all the prayers for Bill and HomeCare Matters Home Health and Hospice for their wonderful care.
Friends may call Sunday, June 24, 2018 from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Schneider-Gompf Funeral Home, 223 West Main St., Crestline. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, June 25, 2018 at First United Methodist Church, 202 N. Thoman St., Crestline, with Pastor Becky Weamer officiating. Burial will follow in Crawford County Memory Gardens, Crestline.
Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church or HomeCare Matters Home Health and Hospice in care of the funeral home.
Those wishing to share a memory of Bill or to express a condolence to the Bauer family may do so by visiting www.masfh.com.