Kenneth Robert Bauer, Sr.

Kenneth Robert Bauer, Sr., affectionately known as Ken, passed away on December 13, 2025, at the age of 87 in Madison, Alabama. Born on May 13, 1938, in Mount Holly, New Jersey, Ken led a life marked by exceptional achievements and profound relationships.

Ken graduated from Central Wesleyan High School and pursued higher education at Guilford College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. He furthered his education with a Master of Science in Systems Administration from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. His academic background laid the foundation for a distinguished career in technology and systems analysis.

Ken dedicated many years to NASA, where he worked as a coder, systems analyst, and systems administrator. Ken's contributions to the aerospace and defense industry included work in the Apollo Program, Space Shuttle, STS, ISS, Hubble, SDI, Viking and Voyager among many others. His significant contributions were recognized with the prestigious Silver Snoopy Award, the highest honor awarded to NASA civilians. Following his tenure at NASA, he worked with SDC and several other NASA and Redstone Arsenal subcontractors. Ken also channeled his passion for precision and artistry into his hobby business, Ken's Cabinets and Fine Woodworking.

Beyond his professional life, Ken was deeply involved in his community. He was a devout and founding member of Asbury Methodist Church (now Asbury Church) in Madison, AL, where he engaged in numerous activities. He participated in church league softball, flag football, and bowling in his early years. Later his leadership extended to roles such as the Methodist Church Emmaus Walk Leader, Methodist Men's Kairos Ministry, serving as an Assistant Chaplain at Limestone Prison. Ken's love of music was expressed in college as the baritone in the school's Men's Traveling Quartet and as a member of the Asbury Sanctuary and Hand Bell choirs. Ken was also a committed Scoutmaster for Boy Scouts of America - Troop 204 in Madison. His adult scouting included Woodbadge, Leave No Trace and Dutch Oven Cooking Trainer roles. For his many contributions to Scouting, Ken received the Tennessee Valley Council's highest adult scouting honor, the Silver Beaver Award.

Ken's love for his family was profound. He is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Jane Richardson Bauer, his children Kenneth Robert Bauer, Jr., and Linda Marie Bauer, his siblings Claudia Mikel, Faye Caro, and Paul Bauer, along with his four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren who will miss his quiet guidance and affection. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Kenneth Walter Bauer, Estella Phillips Bauer, and his stepmother, Irene Kovac Bauer.

Ken's life will be celebrated at Asbury Church, located at 980 Hughes Rd, Madison, AL, on December 20, 2025. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Huntsville Hospital - Hospice Family Center or Canines for Coping through the Huntsville Hospital Foundation.

The arrangements are being handled by Legacy Chapel Funeral Home in Madison, AL. Ken Bauer's legacy of excellence, devotion, and community service will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him.