(April 24, 1948 – June 15, 2026)
Donald O. Bauer, age 78, of Lebanon, Missouri, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2026.
Born on April 24, 1948, in Abilene, Texas, Don was the son of Oscar and Ruth Bauer. His father served in the military, and Don spent part of his childhood in England before his family moved to Lebanon when he was 10 years old to be near Fort Leonard Wood. He remained a proud resident of Lebanon for the rest of his life.
Don worked for several businesses in Lebanon throughout his career. He spent many years with B & D Truck Port and Shepherd Hills Factory Outlets, retiring from Shepherd Hills in 2010 as an assistant manager.
On November 19, 1967, he married Carol Evans, and together they shared 58 years of marriage. Family and friends were at the center of Don’s life. He found great joy in gathering with loved ones and enjoyed playing golf and traveling with his many friends.
Don was known for his quick wit, intelligence, and devotion to his family and friends. He enjoyed golf, traveling, working crossword puzzles, Diet Coke, and a good cigar. He was a founding member of the renowned golf league, DSL, and a supporter of the LHS Alumni Association. Don served as a Lebanon city councilman, President of Lebanon Jaycees, and coached youth sports. He was a member of First United Methodist Church. A proud Lebanon Yellowjacket, Class of 1966, Don cherished the friendships he built throughout his life.
Those who knew Don will remember the way he showed his love—by always being present and by giving friends and family a hard time in the affectionate way that became his trademark. His humor, loyalty, and presence will be deeply missed.
Don is survived by his wife, Carol Bauer; his sons, Pat Bauer and wife Sheri, and Greg Bauer and wife Malina; his grandchildren, Blake and wife Skylar, Mason, Lindsey, Grant, and Nick, his great-grandchildren, Pavin and Weston, his brothers-in-law, Harold Evans and wife Carol, and Kenneth Long; his aunt Martha Jo Hayes, several nieces and nephews, his DSL brothers, and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Ruth Bauer, and his sister, Beverly Long.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the caregivers at Missouri Baptist Hospital and Mercy Hospital for their compassionate care and support.
A celebration of Don’s life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lebanon High School Alumni Association. Donations can be mailed to or left at Shadel’s Colonial Chapel, 1001 N. Lynn or P.O. Box 948, Lebanon, Mo. 65536.
