Robert Maxwell Baer July 22, 1924 - February 11, 2015 Robert Maxwell Baer, 90, head of a large Terre Haute family, WWII veteran, and retired Senior Master Sergeant in the Indiana Air National Guard, died at his home with his family by his side. He was defined by a sunny disposition, quiet faith, strong work ethic, great humor, and selfless love for family and friends. Bob was the son of Maxwell Bertrand Baer and Hilda Rose (Wegman) Baer of Indianapolis, IN. When he graduated from Arsenal Technical High School in Indianapolis in 1943, he had already obtained an aircraft mechanics certification, launching a lifelong love of aviation. During WWII, Bob served in the U.S. Army Air Corps, completing 31 missions as a gunner on a B17 "Flying Fortress" as part of the 34th Bomb Group based in Mendlesham, England. Like many of the "greatest generation," this earth-altering time shaped the rest of his life. After the war he joined the Indiana Air National Guard, serving at Stout Field in Danville, IN, Scott Air Force Base in Belleville, IL, and finally as part of the 181st Tactical Fighter Group, Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, at Hulman Field in Terre Haute. He retired in 1984, after 37 years of distinguished service. He married Rose Marie McDonald in 1948, and the couple settled in Terre Haute in 1954. Although being an only child, Bob became the father of a large family of nine children. He took extreme pride in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, to whom he was known as "Papa Baer." In 2013 he and his wife celebrated 65 years of marriage. His deep faith was not a topic of conversation, but was demonstrated through love and kindness. He was a member of St. Patrick Parish, where he and his wife met some of their dearest friends in the bridge club. He faithfully served as an adorer at the Perpetual Adoration Chapel and was a longtime volunteer at the soup kitchen. He was known for signature phrases that illustrated his philosophies. To instruct his young children to behave, he would tell them, "You will be happy!" Later, at weddings and important life events, the meaning evolved to convey a heartfelt wish, and a lesson that happiness was not an accident, but something that you choose. Although he never told jokes, he was quick to laugh at yours. His broad smile remained the same from the time he was a very young boy until he was a 90-year-old man. Always striving to better himself, Bob became an avid walker in his mid-70s, joining the Wabash Valley Road Runners and participating in several Indianapolis Mini-Marathons. He was a steadfast thank-you note writer, and despite memory loss in his last years, there were two words he never forgot: "thank you." He was also a great inventor of endearing nicknames ("Dear Cute Sweet Mommy"). When his failing memory made it impossible for him to recall terms of endearment, he would simply reach out with his arms, encompassing all around him, thanking "you guys." He was preceded in death by his loving wife Rose Marie, and two sons, Andrew and Peter Baer. Survivors include daughter Cathy Newport & son-in-law Paul Newport of Terre Haute, IN; son Robert Baer & daughter-in-law Martha Shelton of Terre Haute; son William Baer of Highlands Ranch, CO; son Charles Baer & daughter-in-law Susan Baer of Terre Haute; son Thomas Baer & daughter-in-law Lisa Baer of Terre Haute; son John Baer of Terre Haute; daughter-in-law Kimberly Cowden of San Diego, CA; daughter-in-law Carolyn Farmer of Flower Mound, TX; son Christopher Baer & son-in-law Matthew Greenberg of Chicago, IL; 19 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and beloved nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian burial is scheduled for 11:00 AM, Saturday, Feb 21, at St. Patrick Church, 19th & Poplar, Terre Haute with Father Rick Ginther officiating. The family will welcome friends one hour before the Mass at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association (alz.org/donate), McMillan Adult Day Service (486 1st Ave, Terre Haute, IN, 47807), or the charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home, 605 S. 25th Street.
