Charles DeGroat Bader

Charles “Charlie” DeGroat Bader, a longtime resident of Pacific Palisades, passed away on Oct. 6 in Adamstown, Maryland, at the age of 85.

Charlie was born in Manchester, Connecticut, and grew up in Glastonbury, Connecticut. The youngest child of the late Charles Albert Bader (“C.A.”) and Helen Bader, he was known by his older sisters as “Brud.”

Charlie graduated from Williams College in 1953 and went to work for the C.A. Bader Company until 1958 when he was drawn to California with the dream of becoming a writer. He spent the next 50 years as a writer, first at Douglas Aircraft, then at Litton Industries, before starting a freelance career as a business and promotional writer.

Starting in the 1960s, up to and beyond the opening of the Pierson Playhouse, Theatre Palisades became a huge part of Charlie’s life for many years. His several stage roles were overshadowed by his love of backstage participation and production of the shows.

Grace Lutheran Church also became an important fixture in his life. He helped in whatever capacity he could be used, including theatrics and a food ministry.

In his later years, Charlie loved traveling, whether by traditional means or by exploring the world via Elderhostel. In 1999, he traveled to Transylvania to witness the total eclipse of the sun.

He is predeceased by his second wife, Lois, one son, Charles “Chad” DeGroat Bader, Jr., two stepsons, Bob and Tony Krueger, and by his sister, Barbara Delmonaco. He is survived by his sister, Joan Poliak, his first wife, Lucy Troxell, his daughters, Christie Walker and Mary Montgomery, his son, Davis Bader, and his stepson, Geary, as well as dozens of grandchildren, step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Dec. 2 at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, located at 4427 Overland Ave. in Culver City. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association or Prostate Cancer Foundation.