Raymond E. Bauer, 94, of Gas, died Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013, at Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center in Chanute surrounded by his loving family.

Raymond was born August 1, 1918, in Ransom, the son of Conrad and Katherine Kraft Bauer. During his youth he worked cattledrives, worked on the railroad and joined the CCC Corps fighting fires and building ranger stations.

On April 8, 1939, Raymond married Wyonna E. Johnson in Beeler, Kan., and they moved to the Iola area in 1951. They enjoyed trips to New Orleans and Las Vegas. She preceded him in death July 30, 1987.

Raymond farmed most of his life and supplemented his income with carpentry and road construction jobs. His son, Don, assisted in farming while Raymond managed the Agri-Farm Store and the Co-op. During his retirement years he worked for Western Auto.

Raymond served on the Gas City school board and was instrumental in building the new school in Gas. He also served as township tax assessor and clerk for a number of years. He served on the ASCS board for agriculture for several years and on the Board of Directors for rural electric. While on the REA board, he was sent to Costa Rica to assist in establishing rural electric there.

Throughout his lifetime he enjoyed polka music. He played the fiddle, accordian, saxophone and harmonica. He and his friends formed a polka band. He also enjoyed boxing and playing basketball, woodworking and motor repair.

He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and great great grandfather.

Survivors are a son, Donald R. Bauer and wife, Sharon, of Gas; a daughter, Kathy Williams and husband, Jerry, of Chanute; five siblings, John Bauer of Arnold, Godfrey Bauer of California, Nora Edwards of Jetmore, Annie Mollenkamp and Verda Ochs both of Arnold, and a number of nieces and nephews; four grandchildren, Jeff Bauer and wife, Cherri, of Gas, Robyn Koester and husband, Bill, of Gardner, Heather Phillips and husband, Neil, of Chanute, and Amber Neely and husband, Dusty, of Lawrence; seven great-grandchildren, Andrew Bauer and fiancé Amanda Hall, Tasha Bauer and companion Matt Cole, Kaitlyn Stotler and husband, Joe, Tyler Koester, Kristyn Koester, Paden Phillips and fiancé Kristi Pangburn and Luke Phillips; one great-great-grandchild, Bentley Stotler; three stepgrandchildren and stepgreat-grandchildren Jeff Williams and wife, Lea, children Dayna and Madison of Sabetha, Jason Williams and wife, Lori, children Britton, Kylee and Tayah of Hawk Point, Mo., and Jenna Haver and son Riley of Sedan; faithful dog and best friend Buddy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, infant daughter Rayonna Jo, and brothers Dave, Charlie, Herman, Jake and Curtis.

Visitation is 6 to 8 this evening at the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola.

Funeral is 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27 at the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola.

Burial is in Highland Cemetery, Iola.

Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society or American Heart Association and left with the funeral chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.iolafuneral.com.