Maurice Lee Bauer, 92, died October 19, 2019, in Irving, Texas. Maurice was born on July 3, 1927, in Great Bend, Kansas, to Lester and Hedwig "Hattie" (Juergensen) Bauer. At 17 years old, he enlisted in the United States Navy. Maurice liked to say the Japanese surrendered at this news. He proudly served aboard the USS Texas (BB-35.) Fireman 1st Class Bauer loved to visit "his" ship and share stories of its passage through the Panama Canal and trips between Hawaii and California as part of Operation Magic Carpet (the massive effort to repatriate American military personnel after WW II.) His tale of finding, hiding and losing a contraband bayonet aboard the USS Texas is well documented. Maurice tended the ships steam engines and on her final day as a commissioned warship, he pumped her engine cylinders full of the cosmoline grease that would preserve them. Maurice was one of the great battleships last surviving crewmembers. He was very supportive of the Battleship Texas Foundation and its restoration efforts, though he said his ship would not be relocated on his watch. After Maurices service, he returned to Kansas and school to complete his education. It was in the halls of Radium High School that he met a beautiful and outspoken cheerleader named Anne Marie Hoss. He would flip many coins her way before she was amused, but never impressed. Maurice eventually won her over and proposed "before any one else got the chance." Maurice and Anne were married at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Seward, Kansas on St. Valentines Day in 1949. They could and would argue about anything. He called her "old woman" when she was young and she called him things that cannot be printed here. They were partners in word and deed devoted to each other until the end. Faithful and practicing Catholics, they attended mass with their children at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Houston, Texas before moving across town and becoming long time parishioners at St. Thomas More. Maurice and Anne were together over 60 years. They leave behind five children, nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. At 23 years old, he was seriously injured in an oil field accident. Maurice noticed a perforation gun was not grounded and before he could signal to his partner, there was an unintentional discharge caused by static electricity. Maurice was severely burned and both arms were amputated from the elbow down. He spent months recovering and was outfitted with hooks that he would wear until his death. There was very little he could NOT do with those hooks. He drove (including hauling a 5th wheel trailer across the USA.) Maurice was especially proud of the fact that he only took out two guard shacks at different National Parks. He fished (though he never caught anything big enough to eat.) And, he put out fires (because he enjoyed cooking and liked a good grease burger.) Maurices compensation for the accident included a car and a job for life with the Pan Geo Atlas Corporation (later, Dresser Atlas.) Maurice retired after 42 years. His last position was as a Buyer (which was appropriate because he enjoyed spending other peoples money.) Maurices last duty was that of donor. His skin will be used to help burn victims. Maurice was a part of our nations "greatest generation." He was a proud citizen and soldier. Maurice was loyal and true, opinionated and stubborn. He was full of character and grit. Maurice was born in Kansas, but got to Texas "as fast as he could." He could quote Davie Crockett and was quick to recount facts about his beloved Lone Star State (including the tale of the yellow rose of Texas.) Maurice and Anne raised their children in Houston and wished they retired earlier to the Trinity River in Livingston. He spent his final years in Irving at "the home" (he never considered Dallas/ Fort Worth his home for many reasons, perhaps because it is where he said the "Cowgirls like to think they play football.") Maurice enjoyed watching the Oilers and later the Texans play on Sundays. He loved to see the Astros play in the Astrodome. And, like most Houstonians he was frustrated that no one could figure out what to do with the Dome. He was a lifetime fan of the Kansas Jayhawks (sadly they lost to the Texas Longhorns just a few hours after he passed.) Maurice enjoyed a good meal out (corned beef hash at Joes Coffee Shop, oysters at Papadeaux and Tex Mex just about anywhere.) He never missed a happy hour ("not too cold" frozen margaritas, vodka tonics (with 2 limes) and beer (preferably out of a keg and not a Bach.) Maurice told great stories (they were mostly true) and he wanted nothing more in the end than the company of his family and friends. Some of his favorite memories were from the parties he and Anne hosted in the backyard of their home on Willowbend Blvd and the Hoss family reunions and get togethers they attended in Kansas and Louisiana. Maurice is survived by his five children and their spouses: David (Laura) of Austin, Scott of Livingston, Maureen (Terry) of Spring, Jan (Woody) of Virginia Beach, Virginia and John (Maria) of Manvel. Nine grandchildren and their spouses: Carlee (Michael), Stephen (Vanessa), Beth (Justin), Briana (Scott), Stephanie, Melissa (Timothy), Austin, Callie and Sammy. Nine great grandchildren: Brodie, Kathryn, Coen, Faith, Harper, Amaziah, Jaxon, Grace Ann, and Wilhelm. Five sister in laws: Elsbeth Bauer, Virginia Bauer, Angela Geil, Marie Hoss and Dolly Hoss. Many nieces and nephews from the Bauer and Hoss families, including Dennis Hoss (who lived with Maurice and Anne while he attend medical school in Houston.) Maurice was preceded in death by his parents, brothers (Merle and Robert "Bob") and wife. Arrangements were handled by Donnellys Colonial Funeral Home in Irving. Visitation Monday, October 28, 2019 at 10 am at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Houston. Catholic Funeral Service Monday, October 28, 2019 at 10:30 am, also at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Houston. A luncheon will follow the service in St. Andrews Center of the church. Burial - Monday, October 28, 2019 at 2 pm at Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Battleship Texas Foundation. https://battleshiptexas.org/donate/ The family wishes to thank the staff of Avante Rehabilitation Center in Irving for their excellent care of Maurice in his final years. They were patient and attentive to his needs. They listened to his stories and laughed at his jokes. Maurices favorite nurse (Betty) and favorite future nurse (Arsema) were his most trusted caregivers. He considered both a part of his family. For more about the late, great Maurice Lee Bauer, please visit: http://brentclanton.blogspot.com/2014/10/fireman-bauers-bayonet.html https://houstonhistorymagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/CREW.pdf https://www.chron.com/news/article/Navy-veterans-recall-duty-on-the-Battleship-Texas-1698438.php SERVICES Funeral Service

Monday, October 28, 2019 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Prince of Peace Catholic Church 19222 State Highway 249 Houston, TX 77070