Don Bauer

A memorial service celebrating the life of Donnell Gene "Don" Bauer, 89, will be held at 10:00 AM Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church in Sallisaw, Oklahoma, with burial in Akins Cemetery under the direction of Agent Mallory-Martin Funeral Home.

Don was born June 2, 1936, in Happy, Texas, to Keith and Joe Clarence Bauer and passed away at his home in Sallisaw, Oklahoma, on April 29, 2026.

He grew up in Tulia, Texas, where he was active in choir and Boys State. He attended West Texas State in Canyon on music scholarships, played French horn and trumpet, sang in the university choir, and performed in opera productions. There he met Marilyn Wimberley of Wichita Falls, Texas, and they were married on August 24, 1956.

Don served in the United States Army and retired as a captain in 1962 after serving in Korea. He briefly farmed before joining TWA, where he worked as a flight engineer and later captain, retiring after 27 years. After moving to Florida, Don enjoyed boating and scuba diving and pursued his love of the arts by directing and acting in movies, theater, and infomercials. Don and Marilyn later lived in Lauderhill and Bradenton, Florida, where they began breeding and showing papillons. In 2004, they moved to Van Buren, Arkansas, and later to Sallisaw to be near family. Don also served as president of the Papillon Club of Tulsa for 10 years and earned numerous  championships as a breeder.

Survivors include his wife, Marilyn Bauer of Sallisaw; two sons, Brady Gene Bauer and wife Kerry of Sallisaw, and Blaine Donnell Bauer and wife Oksuk of Portland, Oregon; his brother, Vance Bauer and wife Dana of Bradenton, Florida; four grandchildren, Bradley Bauer and wife Trish of Frisco, Texas, Brian Johnson of Sallisaw, Dr. Matthew Bauer and wife Jaime of Akins, Oklahoma, and Nicole Han and husband David of Irving, California; and great-grandchildren Garrett, Kaitlyn, Sailor, Ireland, and Nash.

He was preceded in death by his parents.