Baer services

Mr. Baer died Thursday, Feb. 20, 2003, at his home.

He was born July 17, 1918, in Topeka, the son of Charles J. and Arline (Neff) Baer. He grew up and attended school in Topeka and graduated from Kansas University in 1941. He was a member of Delta Upsilon and Theta Tau fraternities.

Mr. Baer was an artillery officer during World War II. He then served in the reserves, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. He was the first World War II veteran to join the Kansas University faculty. He was an instructor and an assistant and associate professor in KU’s department of mechanical engineering before he became a professor in 1964. He authored or co-authored three engineering textbooks, one of which was reprinted in Japan. After retiring in 1983, he assisted in writing a history of KU’s School of Engineering.

He was a member and past chairman of Lawrence Traffic and Safety Commission, past co-chairman of the United Way drive and member and past president of the Lawrence Kiwanis Club.

He married Mary “Molly” Tanner on Nov. 22, 1945, in Kansas City, Mo. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include two daughters, Sandra Dorn, Redwood Valley, Calif., and Katherine Harris, Centennial, Colo.; a sister, Beth Skaggs, Pratt; and four grandsons.

Family will receive friends immediately after services Tuesday at the church.

The family suggests memorials to the Charles J. Baer Scholarship Fund at KU or the church, sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th St., Lawrence 66044.

E-mail condolences may be sent to info@warrenmcelwain.com, subject: Baer.