Johnny Willard Bauer entered his world on Thursday, May 23, 1957, Neosho, Missouri and entered his eternal home in Heaven on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, just one month prior to his 62nd birthday.
His parents, John and Mattie Bauer, along with his siblings Randy and Vaye, lived a wonderful life of love, laughter, and many proud moments sharing in the joy of hearing Johnny play his guitar and singing to anyone and everyone who came to visit. His younger days, in his first entertaining years, are what groomed his later years for a career in music. His mom would have their guests gather around the formal living room to hear her son play and sing for them…and boy could he put on a show! Occasionally he would let his little sister join right in there…
When Johnny wasn’t entertaining, he and Randy would spend countless hours riding their horses, Trigger and Nightmare, around the countryside, or like typical boys, taking bicycles apart and “trying” to put them back together, wrecked a motorcycle or two (Randy said Johnny wrecked them, he was innocent), swam the neighborhood cow ponds, and chased his sister’s friends around the yard. But the most beautiful memories were those spent in church and every evening around the dinner table.
There were very few moments in Johnny’s life when you didn’t hear him singing an old Hank Williams tune or a good ole Gaither gospel song, or picking up his guitar, if only for a few seconds to “find the perfect 4 chord”. He was exceptionally gifted with improvisation and embellishment, never strummed a string halfway, but always to perfection. But the true magic that brought each and every song together was his voice! A glorious blend of his smooth silky perfect pitch as he and his guitar became one melodious instrument. A true God given gift and talent that he loved sharing as he traveled singing in many churches and venues. He also enjoyed collecting guitars, going to flee markets and thrift shops, playing bingo, his fishing, camping, traveling, family reunions, and watching anything from old westerns to sci-fi!
Johnny attended Mounds Public Schools and Sapulpa Vo-Tech where he received his diploma. He began the workforce with his Dad, as a skilled carpenter building beautiful homes side by side, to his last career with Marisol Crating Company with his son-in-law Daniel Briggs.
The main loves of his life were his children and grandchildren. He spoke very highly of each and every one, bragging how beautifully handsome and special they were, as only a proud Dad and Granddad would do. The Bauer name, and legacy will live on through his Bauer boys. You could see his eyes light up when they walked in the room or when anyone mentioned their names.
He is survived by his daughter Angela and her husband Daniel Briggs of Sapulpa, OK; grandchildren Danyelle, Devon, Darren, Dylan Briggs, Devon’s fiancé Brittany Hixon and great-granddaughter Peyton Briggs; his son Sean Bauer and his wife Angela of Katy, TX; grandchildren Avery, Ryder, and Gunner Bauer; daughter Victoria and her husband Randy Turner of Katy, TX; grandchildren Miley, Thomas, and Asher Turner; he is also survived by his mother, Mattie Bauer of Collinsville, OK; his brother Randy (Kathy) Bauer of Collinsville, OK; sister Vaye Bauer Allen and (Donnie) of Skiatook, OK; many nieces and nephews, as well as great nieces and nephews. Johnny was preceded in death by his Father, John Bauer.
Johnny lived in Sapulpa, OK most of his life. He will be missed by a host his lifelong friends and family who love him so very much.
The family of Johnny Bauer would like to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude for the care and attention your team provided in regards to Johnny. Thank you for your compassionate service, respect, and support throughout his stay with North County.
Funeral services are scheduled at 10:30 am Monday, April 29, 2019 at Green Hill Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Green Hill Memorial Gardens. Visitation is scheduled from 1-8 pm on Sunday with family at the funeral home to greet friends from 6-8 pm.
