Clarence E. Bauer

Clarence E. Bauer, 100, passed away December 16, 2025, at Five Star-Traditions Assisted Living Residences in Lafayette, Indiana. He entered hospice care one year ago.
Clarence was born on October 21,1925, in Peru, Indiana, the tenth child of John Henry and Margaret (Flaherty) Bauer. After serving in the Navy during World War II, Clarence earned a general business degree from Indiana University, which he attended on the G.I. Bill. In 1951, he started work in the accounting office of Chrysler Auto in Evansville, Indiana. He soon met and fell in love with Evansville native, Elmira Elpers. They married in 1952. Clarence and Elmira moved their family to Lafayette in 1960 after he accepted a job with National Homes Corporation. During his career, Clarence also worked for Peerless Wire Goods, Lafayette Catholic Diocese, and George S. May Consulting. Since the Bauers' seven children attended Central Catholic High School, it was no surprise when Clarence worked wherever needed at the school during his "retirement." During these years, he became a treasured figure for another generation of students. Clarence and Elmira were beloved members of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Center at Purdue University (St. Tom's) in West Lafayette. They attended Mass daily, and for many years, Clarence volunteered in the church office. Still, Clarence was probably best known for proudly wearing his I.U. red and white among the Purdue black and gold. When not working or volunteering, Clarence enjoyed reading, playing basketball (he had a mean hook shot), and watching college basketball and football, especially the Hoosiers.
Elmira pre-deceased Clarence in July, 2023. He is survived by their seven children, twenty grandchildren, and twenty-seven great grandchildren as well as sister-in-law Doris Barnes and many nieces and nephews. His children and their spouses are Monica Bauer of Conyers, Georgia, Ann and William Bauer-Leffler of Platteville, Wisconsin, Michael Bauer of College Station, Texas, Theresa Bauer and John Condreay of Lafayette, Kevin Bauer and Mary Ann Gillighan of Bridgetown, Nova Scotia, Patrick and Sue Bauer of Groveport, Ohio, and Paula Bauer and Dale Pate of Littleton, Colorado.
Following a funeral mass Monday, December 22, Clarence was interred at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery.
Please leave condolences and memories of Clarence online at www.fisherfuneralchapel.com or mail cards to: Family of Clarence Bauer, 100 Marble Arch Way, Lafayette, Indiana 47905.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Center at Purdue University, 535 W. State Street, West Lafayette, Indiana 47906, or www.boilercatholics.org