Robert Bayer, 86, of LaPorte, died at Brentwood at LaPorte Assisted Living on Sunday, March 9, 2014.
He was born Jan. 9, 1928, in LaPorte to Edward Bayer and Audrie Andrews.
Robert, a LaPorte High School graduate, was voted Captain and Most Valuable Player of the LPHS basketball team during the 1945-1946 season. He then served in the U.S. Air Force from 1946 to 1949 and was honorably discharged in 1949 as a sergeant. Robert was a longtime employee of Allis-Chalmers Manufacturing Company in LaPorte, spending the majority of his 34 years as Director of Safety and Workmen’s Compensation until retiring in 1983. Later, he was employed by Howmet Corporation for six years as a security officer. Robert was a loyal member of St. Paul United Church of Christ and its men’s club, and also served on the church council for a number of years. He also belonged to the American Society of Safety Engineers and Allis-Chalmers Management Club.
Robert was a very active person throughout his life. He coached Little League baseball for several years, participated in a bowling league and served as a Cub Scout leader. He greatly enjoyed working in the yard and attending LaPorte High School sporting events, and was a longtime Notre Dame and Chicago Bears fan. Other hobbies included working crossword puzzles and using his computer. Robert was an incredible caring, gentle, warm-hearted, forgiving and loving man. He always thought of others first, demonstrated respect for all people, and taught and practiced important values that were instilled in all of his family and friends. Everyone felt him to be a role model and his caregivers often commented on how wonderful and kind he was. He will be greatly missed by family and friends as he leaves behind so many wonderful memories that will be recalled for years to come. One of his best qualities was his sense of humor, which we all relished.
On Sept. 9, 1950, he married Phyllis Sacks, who survives in LaPorte. They would have celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary this year.
Also surviving are their children, Steve (Pam) Bayer of Greensburg, IN, Daryl (Emily) Bayer of Valparaiso, IN, and Cynthia (Terry) Baker of LaPorte; his sister, Maxine Stimley of LaPorte; five grandchildren, Matt and Jenny of Columbus, IN, Elise of Valparaiso, Jill of Chesterton, IN, and Ryan of LaPorte; and six great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Barbara Bayer. He greatly loved and was truly loved by all of his survivors and those who preceded him in death.
The family would like to deeply thank the LaPorte VNA services and the staff at Brentwood Assisted Living Facility for their kind, loving and professional care of Mr. Bayer.
A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 13, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, with Rev. Victor Frohne, a retired minister from the former St. Paul United Church of Christ, officiating. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that all memorial contributions be sent to IU Health LaPorte VNA Services, 901 S. Woodland Ave., Michigan City, IN 46360.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.LakeviewFHC.com.