Eulogy

Charles W. Bauer. . .Grandpa. . . Daddy. . .  For the first seven years of my life, I called him that.  Daddy.  At a time in my life when I had no father figure, due to the divorce of my parents, he filled that role.  He continued to fill that role inumerous times throughout my life.  He filled this role for not only me, but others as well.  Everywhere he went he was loved. 

He had a great sense of humor that allowed him to make friends almost at will with anyone.  He always knew the right thing to say to bring a smile to my face.  The person he was really trying to make laugh was Grandma.  He would say something and Grandma would laugh and say, "Damn Chuck!"  He loved her more than anything.

He also loved his country.  He felt a great responsibility toward it.  This lead him to serve his country through three conflicts and 28 years.  This model inspired two of his daughters to marry men with the same sense of service, and two of his grandchildren to serve themselves. 

The men and women of his time are called the greatest generation. I feel that Charles Bauer not only personifies that but inspired that greatness in others.  It was impossible for him to enter into your life without changing it.  He helped shape me into the man I am today.  I am not sure how to put a label on that, but I think I had it right 22 years ago. . . Daddy.

This eulogy was given for my grandfather on 05/07/07 may the lord rest his soul.  He served in the Army for 28 years from 1947 to 1975.  He participated in the occupation of Japan, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.  He has 3 daughters, 7 grandkids and 4 almost 5 (my cousin is pregnant) great grandchildren.  He will be missed.

 

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