George Melvin Bauer, 82, passed away on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at Helia Healthcare in Benton, Illinois with his wife of 56 years, Mary, holding his hand. George was born on July 27, 1941, the son of Berton and Alma Bauer. He married Mary Bain on March 23, 1967, and she survives.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton with Rev. Phillip Kennedy officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral hour of 1:00 p.m. at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton. Burial will follow at Phillips Cemetery of Ewing.
George served as a member of the National Guard after high school. He farmed alongside his dad since he was four years old and also worked for ICC Railroad. George had a love for cars, was a car salesman for 25 years and owned Bauer Auto Sales. As a young man, George was a drag racer and a member of the Clutch Hoppers Racing Club, racing in Herrin, Illinois, and Sturgis, Kentucky. He was also an avid car racing fan, especially Nascar. His favorite drivers were Dale Earnhardt, Senior; Dale Earnhart, Junior; Jimmy Johnson. Jeff Gordon, #24, was another favorite which is quite fitting since George died on 2/4/24. George was happiest when all of his and his family’s cars, especially the red Corvette, were washed, waxed, and sparkling clean. George enjoyed early morning coffee at various local coffee shops with the guys where they solved all of the world’s problems.
George was a member of the Franklin County Farm Bureau and board member of the Agricultural Stabilization and Conversation Service. He was also a member of the First Free Will Baptist Church of Benton where he served as a trustee.
George is survived by his wife, Mary Lillian (Bain). Also surviving are daughter Kimmi Wyant, son Kip Bauer (Katrina), and daughter Lisa Price (Alan); grandchildren Kylie Wyant, Brooke Wyant, Katlyn Connors, Faith Wyant, Ilsa Bauer, Nadia Bauer, Victoria Jackson (Jeremy) and Nick Price. Great grandchildren include Remington Jackson and Julian Connors. Also surviving is his sister, Janet Birkhead; nephew Dan Birkhead (Ana), niece Kacey Cohen (David) and their children.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law Charles Birkhead, and niece Christy Hilton.
Memorial contributions can be made to First Free Will Baptist Church of Benton and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of George, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com
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