Obituary
In Loving memory of Donald James Bauer
September 24, 1948 – September 11, 2022
Obituary
Donald J. Bauer, of Port Orange, Florida passed away peacefully at home September 11, 2022 from COPD at the age of 73 with his devoted, loving wife, Linda by his side.
Don was born in Pittsburgh, PA and met Linda in California in the mid 70’s and then they separated in 1978.
40 years later Don went searching for Linda, sparks flew once again and they reunited 7 years ago to start a beautiful new life in Florida. Their Love story was so romantic, Don had carried a picture of Linda from 1975 and they both realized it was their destiny to be together.
Don was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He enlisted in 1966 for 3 years and was with the engineers in Vietnam.
He was very proud of the 9 medals he received:
1. Vietnam Campaign Medal
2. National Defense Service Medal
3. Vietnam Service Medal – 3 Bronze Stars
4. Combat Action Ribbon
5. Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon
6. Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal
7. Presidential Unit Commendation Ribbon
8. Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation
9. Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm and Vietnamese Civil Action Award
plus Rifle Marksman Badge
Don was in the finance industry both in California and Pennsylvania until he retired in 2001. Later he helped place foster children with suitable families for about 5 years.
He was adopted when he was 2 years old, so this work was very close to his heart. He was so grateful to connect with his son last year, who was also adopted in 1968.
He loved life, was so witty, was kind and he was always laughing and joking around. Don will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
He wished to be cremated in Florida and his ashes sent home to Pittsburgh for his final resting spot at the VA cemetery.
Happy Anniversary Sweetheart! April 4th will always be so special to me.
I cherish all the wonderful memories we created the second time around here in Florida.
I will love you forever and you are always in my heart.
2018 picture of us watching the concert at the Daytona Beach Bandshell.
We always had so much fun together.
I miss you every single day.
1976 picture of us at my parents during the holidays.
So glad I saved a few pictures of us during the 70's.
It has now been one year since you left me on 9-11-22 and I miss you terribly every single day.
Tragically, after you passed in September, my 1st born also passed away, the boy you helped raise for 4 years back in the 70's in California.
My heart was broken from losing both you and my son within a 4 month time span.
Luckily, I always felt your strong spiritual presence close by and you did help comfort me.
I hope you are pleased to see the finished grave marker I designed for your final resting place.
Sweetheart, you are always in my heart and I know in the future we will be together for eternity.
Your were my destiny and I will love you forever.
Love, Linda
xxxxoooo
I had to add a heart to your grave marker because you are a part of me. I miss you so much!
Our 1975 picture at my 10 year high school reunion. I was so shocked to hear that you kept this picture of us for over 40 years.
You were always such a romantic, sexy man!
This was the last time I saw my 54 year old son in May 2022.
Little did I know, 4 months later you would be gone in September and 4 months later he would follow you in January.
Life is so short and I shall always cherish all the good memories you left behind my Love.
You always remembered our 4-4 reunited anniversary.
I loved that you were always surprising me with flowers and homemade cards.
I guess I just got lucky that you were so romantic and I just loved our fairy tale life.
April 4th will always be our day and you will never be forgotten my Prince Charming.
Dearest Don, thank you for being such a wonderful husband who always made me smile.
I will love you forever.
XXXXOOOO
4-4-2022
4-4-22
Last year on April 4th we privately pledged our Love for each other at home. I will forever remember and cherish those beautiful words you said to me.
It was the first time I had ever seen you so emotional and it was actually difficult for you to speak.
I was never so moved in my life and that made me love you even more at that moment.
It was truly magical.
Little did we know that 5 months later you would be gone.
Oh Don, I miss you so much!
Luckily I took a picture of you and you took a picture of me right after we recited our special vows.
I do believe the true look of Love and Happiness is plainly seen on both our faces!
I put this last picture of you on my screensaver, so I can always see your smile and feel your presence.
Thank you for being in my life and I am just so grateful for all the beautiful memories we did share.
You will always be remembered and in my heart my Sweet Love.
9-24-22
Sweetheart, I cherish all the great memories we had, but I miss you so much. Luckily these wind chimes blowing in the wind do comfort me until we meet once again my Love.
Happy 74th birthday my Love!
Even though you are no longer here physically, I will always feel you close to my heart. Here is our favorite birthday cake.
Don never liked taking photos even back in the 70's. Fortunately I recently found this 1977 picture of us in California. We always did love hanging out together.
Today it is 11 days since my Sweetheart passed on 9-11-22 at home. Certain numbers keep showing up for me and I know for a fact that is never an accident. My dear Mother's passing taught me that.
I will forever miss him, but he is always in my heart and I know that he knew that. His spirit is very strong and he has made his presence known many times and I am so grateful for that.
I know you are at peace my Love and our love story will never be over.
Jason, thank you for the BEAUTIFUL flowers! You are so sweet, Love you
Don was thrilled when his biological son, Paul recently found him after 53 years.
Paul came to our home here in Florida for their first visit last year for Don's birthday on Sept 24, 2021.
He was very thankful Paul was able to come here and visit last week during his final days.
Don wanted to personally give him some treasured mementos for him and the twin grandchildren that he unfortunately never got the chance to meet.
Don always wanted to experience a true close relationship with a real blood relative, something he craved for ever since he was adopted at 2 years old.
Thank God, his son, Paul made one of his biggest wishes come true. Don loved having a father-son relationship for the first time.
Also, his newly found biological 1/2 sister also fulfilled his wish for a family who truly cared and kept in touch.
Thank you Sandy, he just loved having a baby sister and always looked forward to all your calls!
Thank you for everything Paul, your Dad was so proud of the man you became. He felt your love and you felt his when it really counted.
Love, Linda
The fabulous fireworks show seen from our very own private backyard will always remind me of you, my Sweet Lover.
You always made my heart flutter my Prince Charming.
Beautiful flowers are arriving from some loved ones. Thank you so much!
Thank you Sis, you helped me so much through his critical journey this year and I am forever grateful. Love you
Yes, my dear friend Lynn, we were so lucky to feel such a great Love
You were the cutest baby!
1966
1966 USMC
Marine Corps Vietman medals
Your Teddy will continue to be loved my Sweetheart
Even though our time together was very short, we both always felt so blessed that we had another chance for Love, Laughter and Living a great Life during our senior years.
Everybody who knew us, could see how much we truly loved each other.
It was obviously a match made in Heaven and I am forever grateful for all the beautiful moments we shared this time around.
I will Love you for eternity.
btw, you have already left me several signs that your loving spirit is still close by!
I asked you to do that during your final hours, and you have.....Thank you my Love
Until we meet again, your one and only true love and soulmate,
Linda
XXXX
OOOO