William Durbin Baer

William D. "Bill" Baer, 90, of Malvern, Iowa, passed away October 16, 2015 at the Linnwood Estates in Glenwood, Iowa. As per his wishes, cremation has taken place. Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2015 at the Loess Hills Funeral Home in Malvern with Pastor Mike Stevens, officiating. Military Honors will follow the service. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 23, 2015 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials are to the Malvern Student Loan, c/o Malvern Trust & Savings Bank, PO Box 120, Malvern, IA 51551 William Durbin "Bill" Baer was born in Malvern, Iowa on January 22, 1925 to Dr. Jacob William and Florence Durbin Baer. He graduated from the Malvern School System in 1942, and lived his whole life as a resident in the Malvern area. Bill was a veteran of World War II, having served as a Sergeant in the 314th Bomb Wing of the US Army Air Corps in North Field, Guam. He was a radio operator on a B-29 bomber and was later assigned as a clerk in Mission Control. After his military years, Bill graduated with a degree in Animal Husbandry from Iowa State University, going on to teach Veter...[more]

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s Agriculture classes in Tabor, and Agriculture and Sciences in the Malvern Schools from 1956-1962. Bill was married to Donna Katheryn West on the 22nd of July, 1951 in Albia, Iowa. From this marriage of 64 years, five children were born, William Thomas "Bill", Linn Arthur, Sue Anne, Thomas Michael, and Robert Marshall.  From 1962 to 1972, Bill worked at Collins Drug Company in Malvern, a cheerful and trusted friend behind the counter. In 1972, Bill became the owner and manager of Bill Baer Ford, Inc. His sons spent many hours working around the shop area, absorbing Bill's love of cars. When the Ford dealership was closed in 1982, a casualty of the gas crisis and economic times, Bill began working as a Service Advisor for HP Smith and then Atchley Ford in Omaha, Nebraska until 1992. Bill was a strong community leader and volunteer. He was one of the charter members of the Malvern Fire and Rescue, and a valued leader of the rescue squad with his calm and knowledgeable presence. He served as Worshipful Master in the local Masons, and Worthy Patron for the local Eastern Star chapter. Bill was also a charter board member for Iowa Western Community College and shared time and skills as member and president. His commitment to higher learning was always something he was exceedingly proud of, and he was often heard saying he supported the students from IWCC whenever he could. He also served on the board of the Malvern Student Loan Fund for many years. In his spare time, Bill enjoyed restoring old cars, his favorite being a prize winning 1937 Plymouth that had been owned by his father, local veterinarian J.W. Baer. He also enjoyed being on the golf course any time that he could. His grandchildren fondly remember rides in the golf cart with his jaunty white cap atop his head. Bill passed away peacefully at Linnwood Estates in Glenwood, Iowa on Friday, October 16, 2015, at the age of 90 years, 8 months, and 24 days. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Helen Elizabeth Walton. Bill left behind a large and loving family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Donna; five children: William "Bill" Baer and wife Susan of Chariton, IA, Linn Baer and wife Debbie of Columbus, NE, Sue Anne Lawson and husband Dennis of Harlan, IA, Dr. Thomas Baer and wife Susan of Malvern, and Robert Baer and wife Michelle of Liberty, MO; eleven grandchildren, Kristin Johnson, Scott Baer, Mathew Baer, Michael Baer, Hannah Baer, Eric Lawson, Katheryn Lawson, Amy Whitsell, Ian Baer, Christian Baer, and Katie Baer; five great grandchildren, Natalie, Kaylee, William, Madison, and Katelynn; and many friends.