Roger Joseph Bauer, 90, passed away peacefully at his home in Huntsville, Alabama, on March 17, 2026. Born on November 4, 1935, in Kersey, Pennsylvania, Roger lived a long and meaningful life defined by dedication to his family, his work, and his community.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth (Feldbauer) Bauer and Charles Joseph Bauer; his sister, Helen (Bauer) Lavella and her husband, George; his daughter Cynthia Reighard’s husband, Robert; as well as his stepdaughter, Teena Hughes and step-grandson, Shaun Boldin.
Roger is lovingly remembered by his wife of 40 years, Linda (Kilpatrick) Bauer; his sister, Jane (Bauer) Sterbank and her husband, Dan; his daughters, Cynthia (Bauer) Reighard and Cheryl (Bauer) Jolliffe and her husband, Timothy. He was a proud grandfather to Vincent Bauer (Samantha), Angela Sharp (Bryan), and Kathryn Hardin (Chandler); and a cherished great-grandfather to Trace Burdette, Coleman Hardin, Laine Sharp, and Sutton Sharp. Roger also embraced his stepfamily with deep love, considering them his own. He is survived by stepchildren, Randy Ricketts (Susan) and Tammy Faulkner, along with step-grandchildren, Kimberly Boldin, Kolton Faulkner, Patrick Ricketts and Chase Ricketts. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who will remember him fondly.
From a young age growing up in Dagus Mines, Pennsylvania, Roger demonstrated commitment and perseverance. He was a Boy Scout from age 12 through early adulthood, graduated from Kersey High School in 1953, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Penn State University in 1958. Shortly after, he served his country in the United States Army from 1958 to 1960.
Roger’s professional life reflected both skill and dedication. After living in Florida and later Massachusetts, where he started his family, he settled in Huntsville, Alabama in 1974, a place he proudly called home for the rest of his life. There, he built a distinguished career with the U.S. Army Missile Command, contributing significantly to the HAWK Missile System. He retired in 1993 as Deputy Project Manager, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and leadership.
Outside of work, Roger found joy in the simple pleasures of life—hunting, fishing, gardening, and woodworking. He had a gift for seeing the good in others and lived by the belief that love is the simplest and most important thing we can offer one another. His kindness, wisdom, and gentle spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
Roger was also a dedicated member of the Huntsville Optimist Club, where he served as president and worked to support youth in the community, a cause close to his heart.
His life was one of quiet strength, generosity, and unwavering love for his family. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Huntsville Optimist Club in Roger’s honor.
