Richard "Gomer" William Bauer

Richard “Gomer” William Bauer, 77, of rural Bradford, IL, passed away on Friday, January, 9, 2026 at his home in Bradford.

Richard was born on December 29, 1948 in Peoria, IL the son of Marion and Alma (Elmore) Bauer. He graduated from Bradford High School class of 1968. On June 17, 1973 he married Beth Guiliani in Chillicothe, IL. She preceded him in death on March 13, 1999.

Gomer worked for Bradford Industries in Bradford, IL for 20 years while also driving truck and factory work. He then went to work for Cox Transportation for 10 years. After he retired, he went back to work for Gill Grain in Bradford for 7 years. He loved camping and was the past President and longtime member of the Family Campers RV Club formerly known as the NCHA.  Gomer enjoyed going to the Bradford Senior Citizen Center to play dominos and eat lunch with fellow seniors in Bradford. He also liked to play cards at Jerry’s Tap.  Gomer was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Bradford. After his son’s passing in 2010 Gomer became very active with fundraising for his son, “Chief William T “Bill” Bauer Scholarship Fund.

He is survived by his daughter, Anne (John) Cantwell; daughter-in-law, Jodie Bauer; five grandchildren, Jesse Cantwell, Elizabeth Ahrens, Hillary Kelly, Joey Kelly, and Timothy Kelly; two great-grandchildren; six siblings, Eileen (John) Norin, John Bauer, Jack Bauer, Ed (Sharon) Bauer, Barb (Ray) Carlson, and Mary Jason. He was a tremendous “Uncle Dick” to many nieces and nephews.

Gomer is preceded in death by his wife, Beth, son, Chief William T “Bill” Bauer, his parents, brother, Walter (Marion) Bauer; and sister-in-law’s, Betty and Bonnie Bauer.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 pm until time of funeral service at 3:00 pm on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at First Baptist Church in Bradford, IL with Pastor Mark Graves officiating. Burial of cremated remains will be at a later date in Chillicothe City Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the Bradford Senior Citizen Center in Gomer’s honor.