Richard Edward Bauer
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Richard Edward Bauer, 65, passed away Saturday, September 29, 2012, at Box Butte General Hospital in Alliance, Nebraska.
Richard was born October 1, 1946, to Oscar and Dorothy (Curry) Bauer in Alliance, Nebraska.
He graduated from Alliance High School in 1964. In 1966, Richard began a twenty-year career in the United States Army, serving two tours in Vietnam as a airplane and helicopter pilot, as well as tours in Korea and Turkey, and many stateside assignments. During his military career, Richard earned numerous commendations and awards.
After retiring from the military, Richard returned to his hometown of Alliance and eventually began a career in law enforcement, starting as a part-time correctional officer at the Box Butte County Jail, while also delivering mail in rural Alliance. He became a deputy sheriff in 1994, the same year he received the Nebraska Sheriff’s Association Officer of the Year award, after retrieving a loaded gun from a defendant in District Court. Later that year he was appointed Sheriff for a full four-year term, due to the untimely death of Sheriff Mike Frerichs. Richard ran for two more terms, serving 12 years total as the Box Butte County Sheriff, before retiring in 2007. Richard enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing and spending time with family and friends.
Richard married Carol Hooper on January 1, 1997, in Alliance, Nebraska. He is survived by his wife, Carol; brother, Jerry (Doretta) Bauer of North Platte; sons Garry (Denise) Bauer of Alliance, Bobby (April) Bauer of Castle Rock, CO, daughter, Matisha (Andrew) Stratton grandchildren, Devin Bauer, Kayla Kriz, Nicole Bauer, Stephanie Bauer, Travis Bauer, Adrienne Stratton and Bethany Stratton; and numerous nieces and nephews. Richard was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial services will be Thursday, October 4 at 2:00 p.m. at United Methodist Church with Pastor Tom Lucas officiating. Inurnment will follow at the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery at Alliance.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery, P.O. Box 718, Alliance, NE 69301.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com with Bates-Gould Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.