Charles R. Col. Bauer, M.D.

Dr. Charles Bauer ("Chuck") was the first of eight children born to Carl and Alice Bauer of Ellsworth, Wisconsin on February 1, 1934. He graduated from Marquette University School of Medicine in 1958 then completed a rotating internship at St. Mary's Hospital, Milwaukee, WI. In 1959, Dr. Bauer entered the United States Air Force and spent 3 years as a flight surgeon at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma.

From 1962-1967 he completed a four year general surgery residency, followed by an additional year of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL. From 1967 – 1970 he was stationed at Tachikawa Air Base in Japan caring for casualties of the Vietnam War. Dr. Bauer had a distinguished 28 year career in the Air Force, highlighted by his service as Commander of the 659th Air Transportable Hospital, USAF Hospital Luke, and USAF Kessler Medical Center. He retired as a Colonel with Chief Physician and Chief Flight Surgeon ratings and was awarded the Legion of Merit with 2 oak leaf clusters.

In 1982, Dr. Bauer began his civilian medical career at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio (UTHSCSA) as a general and trauma surgeon, a Professor of Surgery and Emergency Medicine, and an Assistant Dean for Ambulatory and Emergency Services. He is board certified in General Surgery, Emergency Medicine, and a Certified Physician Executive. Dr. Bauer developed the South Texas Poison Center and was instrumental in the establishment of the Texas Poison Network. He was the founding Chairperson of the Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council. Over the years Dr. Bauer was a leader in organizing both Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management throughout the state.

Colonel Bauer was one of the founding members of the Texas State Guard Medical Brigade and held the position of Commander of the Alamo Group, Texas Medical Rangers. He proudly served the citizens of the State of Texas responding to multiple missions over the years and retired from the Texas State Guard in 2016.

It was with great honor that Dr. Bauer received numerous awards including a Lifetime Achievement Award by the San Antonio Business Journal in 2002 and the Governor's Lone Star Achievement Award in 2009. He received the Texas Superior Service Medal for his exceptionally meritorious service to the Military Forces of Texas in August 2016. Most recently he was awarded the 2016 Golden Aesculapius Award by the Bexar County Medical Society for a lifetime of outstanding service to Medicine, our Community, and the Bexar County Medical Society. More than his career achievements, his greatest honor was passing on his knowledge and guidence to the next generation of Health Care Professionals through his mentorship. He has truly devoted his life to serving the citizens of the United States of America and the State of Texas.

Chuck is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Sandra Hinkle Bauer, as well as his children: Michael Curtis Bauer and wife Elizabeth, Gregory Charles Bauer and wife Karen, Christopher Carl Bauer and wife Diane, Eric Charles Bauer, Stephen Carter Bauer and wife Lee Ann, Gretchen Ornia Pacher and husband Osvaldo, and Kathryn Leigh Bauer, MD and husband Christopher John Cooper, MD.

He is also remembered with love by his 10 grandchildren: Rachel, Christopher, Eric, Spencer, William, Thomas, Jessica, Carter, Rebecca, and Haley.

An avid sailor and fisherman, what Chuck loved most was spending time with his family - and took special pride in preparing the Thanksgiving turkey. He was beloved by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either the Wounded Warrior Project or to the Dr. Charles R. Bauer Memorial Fund at UT Health San Antonio ( https://makelivesbetter.uthscsa.edu/bauer ). The Bauer Memorial fund will support medical student education in Emergency Medicine by promoting the values embodied in Dr. Bauer's career: academic excellence, leadership and selfless service.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 15th beginning at 11:30 AM to 7:00 PM at Porter Loring on McCullough.

ROSARY

THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2017

7:00 PM

PORTER LORING CHAPEL

1101 McCULLOUGH AVE.

FUNERAL SERVICE

FRIDAY, JUNE 16, 2017

11:30 AM

PORTER LORING CHAPEL

Interment in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.