Peter G. Baer

Colonel Peter G. Baer, 47, of Terre Haute, died Friday evening, Nov. 14, 2008. He was commander of the 181st Operations Support Squadron of the Indiana Air National Guard. He was born March 3, 1961, in Terre Haute, to Robert Baer and Rose Marie McDonald Baer. Survivors include his wife of 26 years, Kimberly Kerns Baer; three sons, Kurt Baer, Scott Baer and Michael Baer, all of Terre Haute; his parents, Robert and Rose Marie Baer of Terre Haute; a sister, Cathy Newport of Muncie; six brothers, Robert Baer of Terre Haute, Bill Baer of Littleton, Colo., Charles Baer, Tom Baer and John Baer, all of Terre Haute, and Chris Baer of Chicago; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his twin brother, Andrew Baer. Pete was the heart of his large extended family and everyone who knew him cherished his generous, fun-loving and open-hearted personality.Pete was a graduate of Terre Haute North Vigo High School, and received his bachelors degree from Indiana State University. He was a member of Leadership Wabash Valley and TREES, Inc.In his military career, Colonel Baer had 27 years of meritorious service in the Indiana Air National Guard. He enlisted at the 181st Fighter Wing in 1981, and shortly thereafter received his commission as a second lieutenant at the Academy of Military Science. He earned his navigator wings after receiving flight training at Mather AFB, Calif. He completed F-4 Weapons System Officer Training and F-4 Weapons and Tactics Instructor School at McConnell AFB, Kans. Colonel Baer traveled around the globe flying the F-4 with the 113th Fighter Squadron, making stops in Norway and Italy, just to name a few. At the end of his glorious flying career he had accumulated well over 1500 flight hours. He also completed Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College, and Air War College. He served in a variety of command positions to include Chief of Intelligence at the 181st Operations Support Flight, and a short period at Grissom AFB. He was commander of the 181st Logistics Readiness Squadron, 181st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, and 181st Maintenance Group. He spearheaded the 181st Fighter Wing's conversion to an Intelligence Wing, and was currently the commander of the 181st Operations Support Squadron. Regardless of the enormity of the task, Col. Pete Baer always displayed tremendous dedication and tenacity and, in true "Racer" tradition, he served his community, state and country with honor. Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008, at First Baptist Church of North Terre Haute, 2944 E. Hall Ave., with Pastor Mark Tobey officiating. Burial, with full military honors, will be in Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation is scheduled for today, Nov. 18, 2008, from 4 to 8 p.m., in the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Callahan and Hughes Funeral Home, 605 S. 25th St. The family kindly requests that memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Wabash Valley Community Foundation (where a fund will be established in Peter's memory), 2901 Ohio St., Suite 153, Terre Haute, IN 47803-2239.