Baldwin City councilman and wife killed in Anderson County crash

A Baldwin City couple was killed Friday in a two-vehicle collision in Anderson County.

The accident at 2:40 p.m. on U.S. Highway 169, 1 mile north of the town of Colony claimed the life of Stephen Bauer, 75, and his wife, Alison Bauer, 57. According to a Kansas Highway Patrol online report, Stephen lost control of his southbound 2008 Lexus, crossed the centerline and struck head-on a Mack semitrailer driven by Zachariah E. Breen, 27, Wellsville.

The Bauers were pronounced dead at the scene. Breen was transported to Anderson County Hospital for treatment of injuries.

Alison Bauer

Stephen was elected to the Baldwin City Council in 2015 after serving on the Baldwin City Planning Commission. Alison served on the Baldwin City School Board in the past.

Two council members who served with Stephen said the loss would be devastating to the community.

“They were beloved and respected for their leadership, community engagement, and kindness to so many,” said Baldwin City Councilwoman Christi Darnell. “I will personally miss Alison’s laugh and exuberance for life. Steve meant a great deal to me and my family as a neighbor, mentor and friend. My thoughts and prayers are with their family.”

Councilman Tony Brown said the council and community would miss the business acumen Bauer brought to the City Council.

Steve Bauer

“He was one of the quieter members of the Council, but when he spoke you listened because of the wisdom of his words,” he said. “Alison was one of those people always in good cheer. She had such an infectious laugh. It’s a terrible loss to the community.”

The Bauers owned and operated the real estate inspection service Bauer Inspection and Consulting Services. In an April 2008 Journal-World story, Steve Bauer said he had inspected 10,000 homes during his 23-year career.