James Earl Baer

James Earl Baer, 82, of Washington, died on Thursday, November 15, 2012, in the Donnell House, following a 1-year illness. He was born March 8, 1930, in Washington, a son of Kelsey and Elizabeth Burt Baer. Mr. Baer had been a machinist for 38 years, working first at McGraw Edison, and later at Cooper Industries. He had once been a member of the Christian Missionary Alliance Church, and he enjoyed fishing and hunting, including archery hunting. A veteran of the U.S. Army, Mr. Baer served during the Korean War, from April 27, 1948, until his honorable discharge on April 16, 1952. For his service, he was awarded the Japan and Korea Occupation Medals, and the Korean Service Medal with 5 Bronze Stars. In March 1953, he married Virginia Longstreath, who died in June 1986. His second wife, Mary McKinney, survives. Also surviving, are a daughter, Denise (Melvin) Gregg, of Fredericktown, and a grandson, Daniel (Tami) Gregg. Deceased, are a brother, John Baer, 4 half brothers, Boyd Bear, Richard Baer, Kenneth Trautman and Donald Trautman, and a half sister, Virginia Trautman. Friends will be received on Sunday, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., in the William G. Neal Funeral homes, Ltd, 925 Allison Ave., Washington, where services will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Monday, November 19, 2012, with Rev. Cliff Reynolds officiating. Burial will follow in the Washington Cemetery. Military Rites will be accorded graveside, by the Edwin Scott Linton, Post 175 of the American Legion.