James Robert Gauer, Sr.
James Robert Gauer, Sr. of Sullivan, MO departed this life in Sullivan on June 1, 2018, having reached the age of ninety-one years, one month and eight days. James was born in St. Louis, MO on April 24, 1927, son of August Frederick Gauer and Augusta Gauer nee Machan. As a young man James way blessed to have three children and on September 26, 1957 he was united in marriage to Priscilla Jane Whitworth, known to all as Pat, and two children came to bless this union.
James is survived by four children, Diane Sue Samway and husband, Douglas, of Belton, MO, Rev. James R. Gauer, Jr. and wife, Rev. Tammy, of Ankeny, IA, Judi Lognion and family, of the state of CA, Nadeen Miller, known to all as Sissy, and family, of New Orleans, LA; by five grandchildren, Emily Engle and husband, Glen, of Gardner, KS, Amanda Gauer and fiancée, Quinton North, of Olathe, KS, Evan Gauer, of Ankeny, IA, and girlfriend, Erin Darr, Sara Samway of Kansas City, MO and Patrick Samway and partner, Brandon Davis, of Melbourne, FL; by many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great and great-great-nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends.
James was preceded in death by his parents, August and Augusta Gauer; by his wife, Pat Gauer; by one son, William Gauer; by his three brothers, Harry, Wilbert and Robert Gauer; and by his three half brothers, Louis, Lawrence and Leroy Stroud.
James was a Christian and long time member of Parkway Church of the Nazarene in St. Clair, MO, where he was very active in church functions. He was employed as a maintenance man at Meramec Caverns in Stanton, MO, retiring after over fifty-five years of service. James took pride in painting the barns and some of the billboards throughout the country advertising the Caverns and even threw out the first pitch for Meramec Caverns Day at Busch Stadium in St. Louis in 2006. He was an outdoors-man at heart and enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially deer and small game. He also liked building things, growing a vegetable garden and watching old western movies and wrestling on television. James loved traveling with Pat, especially on their trips to Florida. What meant most to him was time spent with his family. His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy and he cherished the time spent with them. The love they shared and many precious memories they created will live in their hearts forever.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at Parkway Church of the Nazarene in St. Clair, MO with Rev. Chester Kneir officiating, assisted by Rev. Andrew Barnette. Interment with full military honors was in Anaconda Community Cemetery in St. Clair. Memorials may be made to the church. The family of James Robert Gauer, Sr. entrusted the care of their loved one to Russell Colonial Funeral Home in St. Clair, MO.