Randolph "Randy" Lee Bauer
6/23/1951 - 9/30/2025

In Loving Memory Of Randolph "Randy" Lee Bauer
June 23, 1951 - September 30, 2025

Randolph “Randy” Lee Bauer, currently residing in League City, Texas, passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack on September 30, 2025.

Born on June 23, 1951, in Kerrville, Texas, Randy was the eldest of four children born to Lee and Nona Bauer. His parents relocated from Kerrville to the Rio Grande Valley in 1949, where Randy made Harlingen his home for over 60 years, until his retirement. He was a lifelong member of Saint Paul Lutheran Church in Harlingen, where he built his relationship with Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior. Randy lived a life rich in adventure, hard work, laughter, and, above all, love for his family and friends.

Randy’s life was one of deep devotion to family and friends. An avid outdoorsman, Randy found his greatest joys in nature. He was a devoted fisherman—whether casting lines from the surf, chasing big game in deep waters, reeling in bass from a quiet pond, or anything in between, fishing was a lifelong passion. Hunting whitetail and dove, a South Texas tradition, also filled his days with camaraderie and countless stories. True to form, Randy loved sharing those tales—sometimes as lessons, often as triumphs, and always with a twinkle in his eye. Randy never met a stranger and had a gift for turning even a quick hello into a lasting connection; he delighted in jokes, lighthearted conversation, and the simple joy of connecting with others.

Randy was also a dedicated professional and educator. After graduating from Texas State Technical College Harlingen in 1973 with an associate’s degree in dental laboratory technology, he started his career in the dental field and soon founded Bauer Ceramic Lab in Harlingen, serving many local dentists with skill and craftsmanship. Later, his career came full circle when he returned to TSTC as an instructor, eventually becoming program chair of the Dental Lab Technology program. He also served as president of the Texas Dental Laboratory Association and as a two-term president of the TSTC Faculty Senate, leaving a legacy of leadership and mentorship in his field. His relationships formed with his professional colleagues and the many students he taught and helped launch into their careers were a source of great satisfaction and purpose. In later years, Randy found great joy donning a red suit and white beard to portray Santa Claus, bringing joy and wonder to children during Christmastime.

Above all, Randy most loved his family and close friends. He carried them with him through every story, every trip, and every accomplishment, leaving behind a legacy not only of professional achievement but also of deep personal connection.

Since his retirement ten years ago, his unwavering support of his wife’s career led him to San Antonio; Lafayette, Louisiana; and most recently, League City where he continued to cultivate life through his passion for gardening and finding new fishing holes wherever he was.

His greatest source of pride and joy was his children, Natalie Marie, of College Station, a Texas A&M alumna, employee, and graduate student at the university, and Charles Randolph, a UT Austin alumnus and current third-year law student at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Randy is preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Nona Bauer.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Blanca Treviño Bauer; his children, Natalie and Charles Bauer; his sister, Theresa (Gary) Hampton of College Station; his brothers Greg (Shirley) Bauer of Harlingen; and Troy (JoBeth) Bauer of Kerrville. Additional survivors include his mother-in-law, Maria Inez Treviño of Harlingen, and his brother-in-law, Jorge Treviño of Austin. Also left to cherish Randy’s memory are his Aunt Shirley (Dean †) Oatman, and her daughter, Randy’s cousin, Debbie (Les) Cochran of San Antonio; as well as his dearest friends over the decades, Melissa (Ted †) Daniell and their children Jessica (Tim) Hruska and Jake (Nikki) Daniell and their families of Harlingen; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, lifelong friends and their families.

A viewing for Randy will be held on Monday, October 6, 2025, at Trinity Funeral Home in Harlingen from 5:00- 8:00 p.m.

A celebration of his life will be held the following day, Tuesday, October 7th at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. A procession from Trinity Funeral Home to St. Paul’s will begin at 9:30 a.m. for the 10:00 a.m. church service. Doors at the funeral home open at 8:00 a.m. to receive guests.

Graveside services will be held at Camp Verde Cemetery in Kerrville, TX at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 8th. Prior to that, the family will receive guests at Grimes Funeral Home in Kerrville from 9:00 a.m. until noon.

Serving as pallbearers are Gary Hampton, Jorge Treviño, Les Cochran, Jake Daniell, Tim Hruska, and Mike Alvarado.

Honorary pallbearers include Mike Heep, Larry Hooker, Mike Ezell, Patrick Bauer, and Chuck Oldenburgh.

As Randy would have said, “to make a long story short,” Randy lived life as if it were one great adventure—a story to be told, shared, and cherished. His laughter, wisdom, and warmth will be missed deeply but remembered always by those fortunate enough to have known him.

With profound love and remembrance, the family of Randolph "Randy" Lee Bauer have entrusted his funeral arrangements to Lenny Elizondo, funeral director/owner of Trinity at Harrison Funeral Home, 1002 East Harrison Ave. Harlingen, Texas 78550. You may contact them at (956)364-2444 or visit at www.trinityfunerals.com

Obituary Provided By:

www.grimesfuneralchapels.com
info@grimesfuneralchapels.com
830-257-4544