John Douglas Bayer

John Douglas Bayer, age 80 of Fort Myers, Florida died unexpectedly on October 27, 2019 in Asheville, North Carolina while on vacation. 

John is survived by his wife of 42 years, Barbara Bayer (nee Branstetter); his children Jennifer (nee Bayer) and Christopher Soots of Painesville Township, Ohio, and John Bayer II and Merryann Werley of Avon, Ohio;  and three grandchildren, Atticus, Archibald and Augustus Soots of Painesville Township, Ohio.   He is preceded in death by his daughter, Robin Kennedy (nee Bayer) (1995) and his parents, Lucille Bayer (nee Herrick)(1975) and Archibald John Bayer (1945), grandmother, Mary Bayer Webster (1968), and best friend, Robert ‘Gino’ Coriddi (1995). 

John was born on November 26, 1938 in Rochester, NY to Archibald and Lucille Bayer (nee Herrick). His father died serving his country during World War II.  He was raised by his mother and paternal grandmother thereafter.   He graduated from Madison High School in 1957 and attended trade school at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT).  He worked for the railroad in Rochester, NY; Indianapolis, IN and Chicago, IL for nine years.  He started at Philco-Ford in Centerville, IN in 1966.  His division of the company changed from Philco-Ford, to Ford, and later was purchased by DuPont. He relocated to Ann Arbor, MI in 1976, Woodhaven, MI in 1981 and Avon Lake, OH in 1987.  He retired from DuPont as a Regional Sales Manager in 1999. 

John was a devoted husband, father and papa.  He loved playing with his grandsons and speaking with them on Skype.  He cheered for the Patriots with his son, John II and Michigan Football with his daughter, Jennifer.  He attended the World Series in 1995 with his best friend, which was a life-long dream for both of them. He enjoyed traveling, golf, and was a season ticket holder at the Florida Repertory Theatre with his wife, Barbara.   He read the paper and his ‘Time Magazine’ daily and would cut out and mail articles of interest to his children.  He enjoyed documentaries, particularly ones about World War II and Winston Churchill. He loved Frank Sinatra and jazz music.

John had a boisterous laugh that made those around him smile.  He was witty and had wonderful delivery when telling stories and jokes.  He was kind, loyal, generous and frequently thought of others before himself.  He adored his family and friends and shared affection, affirmation and good advice abundantly. He will be deeply missed by all that knew him. 

The family will conduct a private ceremony to spread his ashes in accordance with John’s wishes.  A private celebration of life to share stories and memories will happen in the Cleveland area at a later date.  The family wishes to extend a special thanks to the Rathbun House in Asheville for their hospitality during this difficult time.  

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