Vernon Austin Bayer, 77

Former Kennard resident Vernon A. Bayer, 77, of Mesa, Ariz., died Oct. 17, 2001, after a 4 and 1/2 year battle with cancer.

A memorial service was held Oct. 28 at the First Presbyterian Church of Mesa.

Vernon Austin Bayer was born Nov. 4, 1923, to Henry and Mary (Havekost) Bayer in Dixon, Neb.

As a senior in high school, he joined the Army. His military career was cut short by an asthma condition he had had since he was a child, and he returned home to graduate with his class from Kennard High School in 1944.

He grew up on the farm and loved the outdoors and the farming life, but his health forced him to leave. He moved to Omaha, where he went into defense work. After World War II, he began work with the Army Corps of Engineers, working on the Missouri River flood control projects.

In 1947, he married Kathryn Ridpath, and the couple made their home in Nebraska.

When funding for engineering projects ended, Mr. Bayer changed careers, entering the construction industry, where he had recently celebrated 50 years of membership in the Carpenters Union.

In 1953, he moved his family to Mesa, where he continued in construction.

Although he enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, hunting and gardening, his favorite pastime was restoring antique vehicles and farm machinery. These included Model A Fords, V8s, Mercury’s and Mustangs. His passion found him winning trophies at many car meets. He was a member of the Model A. Restorers Club, Early Ford V8 Club, Small Gas Engine and tractor Club and, for the past six months, enjoyed monthly camping outings with the “Superstition Sams,” Good Sam Camping Club.

He was also a member of the Lowe Avenue Presbyterian Church in Omaha, before transferring his membership to the First Presbyterian Church of Mesa. There, he served as deacon, President of the Mariners, helped with construction on church projects, and also worked with the Boy Scouts for many years.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Kathryn (Kathy) Bayer of Mesa, daughter, Mary Bayer of Reno, Nev., son and daughter-in-law, David and Theresa Bayer of Gilbert, Ariz., daughter and son-in-law, Jane and Paul Praxel of Mesa, one granddaughter, twin sister and brother-in-law, Marian and Raymond Wilson of Blair and her family, Rita and Steve Johnson and two great- nieces, all of Blair, and Norman Wilson and his daughters of Colorado; sister and brother-in-law, Erma and Bud Moser of Omaha, and several other nieces and nephews.

~~~ Obituary courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair Public Library at Blair, Nebraska.~~~