James Bauerle

Bauerle James E. Bauerle, D.D.S., M.S., Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, died Tuesday, February 6, 2007, at age 83. He was born on September 24, 1923, in Hamilton Pool, Texas, to Ernest and Nancy Bauerle. He was reared in Sandy, Texas, attended Johnson City High School for two years, and graduated from Waco High School in 1939, at age 15. He was a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, receiving his B.S. from the College of Pharmacy in 1943, at age 19. Bauerle then entered the U.S. Army and studied dentistry. He received his D.D.S. from St. Louis University School of Dentistry in 1946, and was commissioned as a captain in the Army Dental Corps. Bauerle specialized in Oral Surgery and received his M.S. in Oral Surgery from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dentistry in 1950. Thereafter, he served as Assistant Chief of Oral Surgery, Walter Reed Army Hospital, Washington, D.C., from December, 1950 - June, 1952, and Chief, Oral Surgery, Ft. Bliss, El Paso, Texas, June - December, 1952. From December, 1952, until February, 2006, Bauerle maintained a private practice in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, a profession that was more than just a career to him, but a true calling. He was a skilled and gifted oral and maxillofacial surgeon, who cared about his patients. To him, it was a privilege to treat patients and to alleviate pain and suffering. He was honored to work with his fellow dentists in San Antonio and the surrounding South Texas area. Further, he was privileged to work with long-time staff members with whom he shared a close bond and friendship. Bauerle worked hard to improve and enhance dentistry in the State of Texas, and at the national and international levels, through his active participation in many professional organizations. He served as President, San Antonio District Dental Society, 1959-60; Vice-President, Southwest Division, Texas Dental Association, 1960-61; and President, Texas Dental Association, 1967-68. He also served as a member of the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners from 1971-73. In October, 1973, he received the Alumni Merit Award as a Distinguished Alumni of St. Louis University. In recognition of his many contributions to dentistry and to the Texas Dental Association, Bauerle received the Gold Medal Award from the Texas Dental Association in May, 2002. Always special to Bauerle was his lifelong love for The University of Texas, which began in his days as a student in the College of Pharmacy. Without a doubt to all who knew him, his blood ran orange and he was an avid Longhorn fan. He was appointed by then Governor Preston Smith in January, 1973, to serve as a Regent of The University of Texas System for a six-year term. He served as Chairman of the Buildings and Grounds Committee during a period of rapid expansion and growth for The University of Texas System. A particular source of pride to Bauerle was his active involvement in both the College of Pharmacy at The University of Texas at Austin and The University of Texas at San Antonio Health Science Center Dental School. Bauerle believed that his education in the College of Pharmacy provided an invaluable foundation that was instrumental in his career. In his honor, the Bauerle Centennial Professorship in Drug Dynamics was endowed at the College of Pharmacy in 1981. Bauerle was very active at The University of Texas Health Science Center Dental School in San Antonio. He and several other far-sighted men were instrumental in the founding of the Dental School in 1969. He considered it a special privilege to serve as a full professor of oral surgery and dentistry, and to help train dental students. Bauerle was a mentor, in and outside of the classroom, to several generations of dentists in San Antonio and in the State of Texas. He continued this tradition of mentoring by participating in the annual Hollers Lectureship at the Dental School. Bauerle received a UTHSC Medallion Award for his role in the establishment of the Dental School. Also, in his honor, the James Bauerle Boulevard at The University of Texas at San Antonio's Loop 1604 campus was named for him. In honor of the Dental School and his special association with it, Bauerle established a Professorship to further dental education. Bauerle was a member of many professional and community organizations. In particular, he enjoyed his work as a member of the Bexar County Hospital Board of Managers from 1961-66, and served as Vice Chairman of the Board from 1966-71. This entity evolved into what is now known as University Health System. Further, he enjoyed making long-time friends through the Monday Morning Quarterback Club, San Antonio Breakfast Club, the San Antonio Torch Club, and other social organizations. He was a Mason and a member of the Scottish Rite, Knights Templar, and the Shrine. Bauerle also was a member and former Deacon of First Presbyterian Church, and served on the Board of the San Antonio Christian Dental Clinic. Bauerle is survived by his wife of 23 years, Charlotte; his daughters and sons-in-law: Dianne and Dr. Jack Pool of San Antonio, Nancy and Grover Campbell of Austin, and Janet and Greg Anderson of San Antonio; his grandchildren: Jeff Pool, and wife, Jennifer, and Logan and Lee Campbell; his close cousin Berniece Freer of Johnson City; numerous cousins and family members in Blanco County and the South Texas area; Charlotte's children and their spouses: Tom Woodley, Dianne and Rick Littleton, all of San Antonio, and Susanne and Mark Vanham of Uvalde; and Charlotte's grandchildren: Stacy Hoyt, and husband, Joel, Lance Littleton, Blair Littleton, Riley Vanham, Colby Vanham, and Brady Vanham. Special thanks are given to the physicians and staff at University Hospital and Methodist Hospital, and to the healthcare professionals at A Plus Comfort Care and Regent Care Center for their wonderful medical care. The family will receive friends Friday evening, February 9, 2007, from 5 o'clock to 8 o'clock at Porter Loring. Service Saturday, February 10, 2007, 10:00 a.m., First Presbyterian Church, 404 North Alamo, San Antonio, Texas with reception to follow at the church Graveside Service, Saturday, February 10, 2007, Masonic Cemetery, Johnson City, Texas 2:30 p.m. The Rev. Richard Kannwischer and the Rev. George Sturch officiating. Masonic service under the auspices of the Johnson City Lodge # 561 AF & AM. Memorials can be sent to the Bauerle Professorship at the UTHSC Dental School, San Antonio; the San Antonio Christian Dental Clinic; First Presbyterian Church; or the Johnson City Masonic Lodge. Honorary Pallbearers: Claude Nabers, Roy R. Gonzalez, Sr., Hugh Tilson, Jack Dean, Eugene Hickey, James Barnes, James Yancy, Andrew de la Garza, Terry Downs, David Turlington, Robert Price, Peter Flawn, James Doluisio, Steven Leslie, Robert Green, Rayzor Dent, Joe Carson, Milton Hughes, Bill Watson, David Freer and Lloyd Hale. You are invited to sign the guestbook at www.porterloring.com Arrangements with Porter Loring, 1101 McCullough Ave., San Antonio, TX (210) 227-8221