Leroy Bawel, Jr.

Leroy Paul “Skip” Bawel, Jr., 79, of Newburgh, passed away on Sunday, March 31, 2024 after a short illness. He was born September 18, 1944 to the late Leroy Bawel, Sr. and Betty Ann (Flucks) Bawel. Skip spent most of career as a paper salesman at McMurtry Martin Paper Company and after it closed with Resource Services from which he retired. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He loved to watch movies with his grandson Max and friends. He was an avid collector of rare books, films and movie memorabilia. He was asked often to discuss them as a guest on TV and for newspaper articles. He even sold a poster to John Wayne who called him at home to discuss buying the poster as he too collected movie posters. Skip loved the outdoors and enjoyed walking in downtown Newburgh daily. He also loved his cats that he adopted. Skip was a good friend to all and a good neighbor. He will be sorely missed by all that knew him. Skip was a member of the Freemasons since 1969, was a Navy veteran and a member of Kapperman Post 44 American Legion. He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna (Shults) Bawel. Skip is survived by his daughter, Kelly Ann Talbott (Dennis); grandson, Maxwell Ian Talbott; stepchildren, Angela Hassman (Fred), Jay Cope (Sheri) and step grandchildren, Phillip Hassman (Kelly), David Hassman (Kyra), and Christopher Cope. To honor Skip's wishes, he will be cremated and a private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderNewburghChapel.com.