John Peter Bayer

After an extended illness, John passed away on 08/25/2025. He was born March 31, 1925 in Sandusky, Michigan. He was the son of the late Elizabeth Mettler Bayer, and the late Frank Bayer, Sir., both of Batavia, Ohio. He attended Batavia High School in Batavia, Ohio and received his graduate diploma in 1946, after returning home from WWII.

John was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife, Esther of forty-seven (47) years, also his brothers John, Frank P. and Joseph F. Bayer, all of Batavia, Ohio.

John is survived by his stepson, David W. Fowler, Jr., and his wife Janice, both of Hillsborough, NC. Also, three (3) grandsons, Roger Fowler and wife Linda of Hillsborough, J. Tracy Fowler and wife Amy, of Wake Forest, and Lee Fowler and his wife Teresa of Hillsborough. Also, seven (7) great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.

During World War Two (WWII), John enlisted in the U.S. Navy on November 14, 1942. John served in the South Pacific Theater on a Destroyer, the USS David W. Taylor (DD 551). His ship was awarded eight (8) battle stars.

During the Korean war, John served in both the U.S. Army Air Force, and the superseding U.S. Airforce on Okinawa with the 51st Fighter Wing. Later John again joined the U.S. Navy and later retiring from active military service in 1964 as a Chief Petty Officer.

As a civilian, John was employed for two (2) years at Duke Medical Center as an Administrative Assistant for the Chief Nursing Officer. Then later, John was employed with the Environmental Protection Agency in the Research Triangle Park, N.C. He served there for thirteen (13) years as the Shipping Officer and later retired from the "EPA" in 1980.

Visitation will be from 1-2 pm on Thursday, August 28th at Lawrence Road Baptist church where he was a member. Funeral services will follow visitation. Interment will be at Mount Herman Baptist Church Cemetery in Durham.

John had many friends and family who will miss him dearly and remember him with warmth and fondness which he would find heartwarming.