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1928
2013
Donald Adam Bauder passed away Saturday, December 21, 2013. He was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Betty Jo (Carnes), his mother Florence (Satter), his father Harry and his sister Mildred C. Mohn.
Donald was born in Reading, PA on July 18, 1928. His mother died when he was nine, and he was sent to live with his Aunt Emily and Uncle John. In his teens Donald lived with various dairy farmers where he worked for room and board. At sixteen, learning his Dad had remarried, he rode a bicycle 30 miles and returned home to live with his dad, sisters, stepmother, three stepbrothers and a stepsister, where he lived happily for two years.
At age eighteen, Donald joined the US Navy and completed boot camp at Great Lakes, Illinois. He was shipped out to Alameda Naval Air Station in Alameda, CA where he served aboard the USS Princeton and the USS Boxer, seeing duty in the Korean War Conflict. As an Airman aboard the two aircraft carriers, Donald learned to repair the fighter planes damaged in battle. During the last year of his tour of duty, Donald married Betty Jo Carnes and was happily married for their 48 years together.
Upon discharge in October 1952, Donald, using the skills he acquired in the Navy, went to work at Moffett Field, in Mountain View, CA, where he showed remarkable ability in repairing the aluminum skins of airplanes. After perfecting his talent as a precision sheet metal mechanic, Donald left the aviation industry to work with various companies making sheet metal components for the emerging electronics and computer industries. In 1965, Donald, along with two Navy buddies, Charles Matthews and Raymond Robbins, moved from the bay area in California to Colorado Springs, CO where they started RBM Precision Metal Products and Pike Tool and Grinding. The partnership ended in 1970 and Donald continued to grow and expand the company before selling RBM to his son and daughter before his retirement in 1989.
Donald is survived by his son, Donald H. Bauder, his daughter, Karen L. Bauder, his sister Elizabeth R DeLong and his stepbrother Robert Morrow.
Following a private burial at Ft. Logan National Cemetery in Denver, CO, a celebration of Donald's life will be held at the Garden of the Gods Club on January 6, 2014 from 1:00-3:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Pikes Peak Hospice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Condolences to the Bauder family Karen and Don. Saw him last in 2010 on one of our RV trips. Worked with him 1st at Gilliland Inst Co, in Oakland Ca. He hired me in 1966 to start a machining operation at RBM to help the sheetmetal business. I will always remember Don, Ray, and Chuck
Bob &
Gail Stivers
April 16, 2014
I know Don Bauder for 18 years while at RBM and he was a joy to work for,my condolences to the Baudr Family.
DONALD ROBERTS
January 20, 2014
I was so impressed with the RBM Bunch, and Jo and Don, Karen and Donnie. We had some fun fun times with them,, Lots of things happened in our lives, I am residing in Arizona, have spent 22 years here, 9 as a winter resident, now a permanent resident.. Jaye (James) Geisenhaver.
January 19, 2014
Don was a great guy. I always enojoyed our conversations when he would come over to his "man cave" office at the plating shop. My condolences to Karen and Donnie and their families. Georgia
Georgia
January 5, 2014
Don was always a delight to be around. He had a contagious smile and a good heart!
Karen Cloud
January 3, 2014
I knew Don for 18 years while at RBM and he was truly a joy to work for. My condolences to the Bauder family.
Paul Weixel
December 30, 2013
Mr. Bauder was a fine employer and I appreciated the opportunities I was given during the 4 years that I worked at both RBM and Pike Tool. It appears that Mr. B. lived an impressive life. My sincere condolences to Mr. Bauder's family and friends.
Tom P.
December 30, 2013
I'll miss Don's easy laugh, which was mischievous and uplifting at the same time. He was like a special uncle to the six kids of the other two families who moved with the Bauders from California to Colorado in the summer of '65. He and my father and Ray Robbins showed us how a man takes calculated risks, perseveres, and reaps the rewards he deserves. Don's bold confidence remains an inspiration. He was a true gentleman with a very big heart.
Neal Matthews
December 29, 2013
My condolences go out to the Bauder family. I worked for RBM for close to 17 years and can only wish them well n celebrating Don's life .
Alan Anderson
December 29, 2013
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