Melville J Baer Sr

Melville J. Baer, Sr, 95, of Centre Hall, was welcomed into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Friday, April 25, 2025, at home while surrounded by loved ones. Born on September 1, 1929, in Wapwallopen, PA, he was the son of the late Herman A. and Eva L. (Sorber) Baer. On April 9, 1954, in Maryland, he married the love of his life, Margaret G. Brown, who preceded him in death in March 2023.
Melville graduated from Nescopeck High School in 1947. After high school, he was enlisted with the United States Air Force from 1948 to 1953. He earned the rank of Staff Sergeant prior to his honorable discharge. He then went on to continue his education and earned his bachelor's then master's degree in education at Penn State University. He was a teacher at Penn State, then local school districts, and retired as the electrical instructor at what was called the Centre County Vocational Technical School in Pleasant Gap.
Melville was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Boalsburg. He was a post member of the American Legion Post #779 in Centre Hall and the VFW in Potters Mills. While he was working, he belonged to the teacher's union. He enjoyed hunting but mainly because he was in the great outdoors. He loved to go for hikes and walks, read non-fiction stories of history, educational publications, and anything else he could learn something from. He was a true educator who fully embodied his gift for teaching others, extending his assistance in teaching adults in the evenings and prisoners' educational programs over the years. He was a mentor to so many people, from students to his own children and grandchildren. He was a kind, loving, and generous man that approached life with patience and a love for life and all its wonders. He carried many titles in his life, from husband to teacher but his most cherished titles were dad and pap.
Melville is survived by his three children, Gayle A. Swales, Melville J. "Pete" Baer, Jr and his wife, Bonnie, and Rick A. Baer, all of Centre Hall; six grandchildren, Christopher M. Swales of Michigan, Jennifer A. Matthews and her husband, Jared, of State College, William J. Baer, Jr of England, Wayne A. Baer of Spring Mills, Jamie Baer and her significant other, Shawn Yearick, of Aaronsburg, and Tyler Baer and his significant other, Christina Hinton, of Rebersburg; and six great grandchildren, Rylie Yearick, Layton Yearick, Kadence Dolan, Alyssa Baer, Harper Baer, and Angel Matthews.
Along with his wife and parents, Melville was preceded in death by his son, William J. Baer, Sr, his daughter in-law, Polly Jo (Muthersbaugh) Baer, and all five of his brothers, Paul, Wayne "Tim", Ray, Reid, and Layton Baer.
Friends and family will be received on Friday, May 2, 2025 from 4pm – 6pm at the Barbara Daughenbaugh Funeral Home in Centre Hall. A visitation will be held at the Zion Lutheran Church in Boalsburg on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 from 10am - 11am with a Celebration of Life at 11am with Rev. Rebecca Horn officiating. A graveside service will immediately follow the service at the Boalsburg Cemetery with Military Honors accorded.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Melville's memory, can be made to the HOPE Fund of Penns Valley, PO Box 427, Centre Hall, PA 16828.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Barbara Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Inc of Centre Hall. To share memories and condolences online, please visit daughenbaughs.com.