Obituary of Bruce Leroy Bader

Sedan - Bruce Leroy Bader, age 65, of rural Niotaze, Kansas passed away Wednesday evening, August 12, 2009 at his residence in rural Niotaze, Kansas. He was born April 17, 1944 in Wichita, Kansas to Ethel Mae (Koehn) and Harry Bader. He grew up in the Newton, Great Bend and Halstead areas. He graduated from Newton High School in 1963. He served in the United States Army from April 1964 to April 1967. He was discharged with the rank of Specialist E4 after serving in Vietnam. He married Kathy Buss and to the union there was born one daughter, Shandi. They later divorced and they moved to Colorado and Missouri for several years before returning to the Newton area. In 1994, he moved from the Newton area, settling south of Niotaze, Kansas. On December 1, 2001 he married Susie (Blankinship) Loftin and took on the mighty task of helping raise his six step-daughters. He was happiest when he was out working on his place or fishing and swimming in his huge pond. He enjoyed raising dogs, birds and goats. He spent many hours collecting and restoring older cars and tinkering in his shop. He is survived by his wife Susie of the home; one daughter, Shandi Gale Turner of Haysville, Kansas; one sister, Gail Winter of Haysville, Kansas; three brothers, Matt (Barney) Melby of Hutchinson, Kansas, Luke Melby of Hutchinson, Kansas and Edward Melby of Alaska; two stepsons; Larry Oviatt of Wichita, Kansas and Darcy Oviatt of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; six stepdaughters, Brandee, Kristi and Stacy Loftin of the home, Teresa Jackson of Jacksonville, North Carolina, Rachel Loftin of Chautauqua, Kansas and LeAnna Escobar of Tampa, Florida; two grandchildren and one step grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents. Cremation has taken place and family and friends may sign the register book Friday, August 14, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Sedan. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, August 16, 2009 at the First Christian Church in Sedan with Pastor Steve Zimmerman officiating. A private family burial will be held at a later date. The family has suggested memorials to the Chautauqua County Animal Shelter and they can be left in care of the David W. Barnes Funeral Home 209 N. Douglas, Sedan, Kansas 67361.