A prominent Tri-Cities developer has died.

Milo Bauder, 93, was known for developing neighborhoods including Meadow Springs, Hills West, Crested Hills, Falcon Crest and WestCliffe in south Richland and SouthCliffe in Kennewick. Although he was born in Colorado, he lived in the Tri-Cities for most of his life.

He moved to the area with his family in 1941, when he was about 10 years old.

He graduated from Kennewick High School in 1949 and went on to Central Washington University, where he played basketball and football, his obituary said.

He was drafted into the Army in 1951 and finished up his studies at the University of Washington after his military service. He earned a business administration degree.

Bauder and his high school sweetheart, Donna, were married for 61 years until her death in 2012. Bauder later married Virginia Anderson.

“Milo was tenacious in every task that he set his hand to,” his obituary said.

“As a teenager, he and his brothers built the family home,” it said, adding that he and his first wife ranched and farmed before turning their land into the Meadow Springs golf community, a move that sparked Bauder’s successful career in development.

However, “of all his successes, he treasured exchanging his old life for a new life in Christ the most, transforming his life and those around him,” the obituary said.

Bauder was part of Tri-City Community, where he helped with construction projects, taught Bible classes and even played on the church basketball team at age 65.

“He had many dear friends there and was known for his big smile as ‘Smiling Milo,’” his obituary said. “He enjoyed many good times with his family – traveling, trips to the family cabin on the Tucannon, deep sea fishing, deer hunting, cattle auctions, roundups, gospel and country music. His grandkids and great grandkids, however, brought him the most joy. In both hard times and good times, he was always there for his family.”

Bauder was preceded in death by his wife, Donna; father, Rudolph Bauder; mother, Luella Bauder; and brothers, Gerald and Wayne Bauder.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia; four children and their spouses, Mark Bauder (Lauri); Bret Bauder; Terri Hash (Dale); and Sandi Faith; 12 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren.

The family planned a private graveside.