Donald Bayer

Donald Lee “Don” Bayer, of Covington, was born in Dayton on September 1, 1949 to Walter and Ida Mae (Denlinger) Bayer.  Don grew to adulthood in Montgomery Co. with two brothers, Lloyd Gene and Duane Allen.

He lived for a short time in Lancaster Co., PA, where he met Susan Anne Barge.  They were married on January 9, 1971.  To this union was born three children: Kurt David, Marcy Sue, and Greg Donald.  The family expanded with the children’s spouses, Annett & Kurt of Covington, Greg & Marcy Kuns of Cutler, Ind., and Lana & Greg of Ludlow Falls.  The following years added 12 grandchildren, Weston, Grant, Drew, Lane, and Ella Bayer, Allison, Austin, and Morgan Kuns, and Ian, Noah, Alexa, and Emme Bayer.

Don recognized the need of a savior in his late teen years.  In August of 1970, he accepted Jesus Christ as his savior and fellowshipped with the Old German Baptist Brethren Church-New Conference.  Don was in the building trades as a remodeling contractor, beginning in the late 1970’s.  Along with his sons, they worked under the name Bayer Builders.

For the most part, Don simply enjoyed every phase of life and the people involved.  He also enjoyed his quiet times and several hobbies.  He was looking forward to more time with hobbies, family, friends, and service as he slowed his occupation.  God had other plans, and Don was diagnosed with cancer in the summer of 2014.  God granted four more years with the ups and downs of the disease progression and treatment until he succumbed to the disease on Friday, August 24, 2018 at the age of 68 years, 11 months, and 24 days.  These last few years were ones of blessings, most notably the care and compassion of others, being able to say goodbyes, and experiencing the Biblical peace that passes knowledge.

Don was preceded in death by his mother, Ida Mae; and his parents-in-law, Raymond and Elma Barge.

Surviving are his wife of almost 48 years, his father, his children and grandchildren, both brothers and their wives, Lloyd and Denise, Duane and Bhronda, and his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Don’s only hesitation in trading this life for the next was the severing of personal relationships developed over the years.  We commit him to his eternal home.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, August 27, at the Old German Baptist Brethren Church, 6360 W. Farrington Rd., Covington.  Burial will follow in Sugar Grove Cemetery near Covington.  Visitation will be from 2-5 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday at the church.  Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Miami County, P.O. Box 502, Troy, OH 45373.  Arrangements are in care of Moore Funeral Home, Covington.  Online condolences may be left for the Bayer family at www.moorefh.com.