Marvin Bayer, 88, of St. Marys, died July 8, 2009, at the St. Marys Living Center.

He was born Oct. 17, 1920, in Covington, Ky., to Elmer and Loretta Bayer. His wife of 63 years, Dorothy, survives.

Other survivors are three children, Michael, Georgetown, D.C., Nancy Jacobs, Warrenton, Va., and Thomas, Leesburg, Va.; a brother, Bernard Bayer, Dayton; and seven grandchildren.

Deceased is a son, Nicholas.

He was the owner of Varsity Lanes in St. Marys for many years. He served on St. Marys Community Public Library Board and donated land to the city for a community park. He was selected by the Secretary of the Army to be a Civilian Aide for Northern Ohio. In 2001, he was awarded the Department of the Army's Outstanding Civilian Service Medal.

He graduated from Chaminade High School, Dayton. He enlisted in 1942 with the U.S. Army Paratroopers where he served with the legendary "Devils in Baggy Pants," the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82nd All American Airborne Division. He fought in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, the Netherlands and participated in the rescue of the U.S. Forces in the Battle of the Bulge. He was awarded the Bronze Star, the Good Conduct Medal, the European and American Campaign Medals, the World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal. He also earned the Combat Infantry Badge and his Parachute Jump Wings. He was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, St. Marys.

Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Monday at the church, the Rev. Anthony Cutcher officiating. Burial is at Gethsemane Cemetery, St. Marys.

Calling is 9-10 a.m. Monday at the Miller-Long and Folk Funeral Home, St. Marys.

Contributions can be made to the St. Marys Community Public Library or Holy Rosary Catholic School, both of St. Marys.

Condolences can be left at www.millerfuneralhomes.net.