Obituaries must be approved to run by 3 p.m. Monday for the Wednesday edition, or 3 p.m. Wednesday for the Sunday edition. Email to obit@wilcosun.com. Obituaries start at $72 for up to 250 words and include a close up photo. There is an additional charge for additional words and/or photos. 

William “Bill” I. Bayer

William “Bill” I. Bayer

William “Bill” I. Bayer

William I. Bayer “Bill” went to be with the Lord on February 15, 2024, at the age of 87 shortly after being diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He was a trooper until the end. Bill was born in Loysburg, Pennsylvania on October 29, 1936, to George W. and Dora F. (Kagarise) Bayer. He was preceded in death by his wife of 41 years Barbara (Cindy) L. Bayer and sister Jean Replogle.  He is survived by his Life Partner Marilyn Lamb Hamner, his children Daniel (Julie) Bayer, Felicia (Jace) Layton, four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, sister Joan Leach, and nieces/families who loved him dearly.

Bill enjoyed participating in various sports leagues, going to the movie theater, traveling, and had a great passion for hunting and fishing. He graduated Bedford County Pennsylvania Replogle High School in 1955 and was a member of the 1954 undefeated football team.  He along with the other team members were inducted into the Bedford County Sports Hall of Fame in 2007. He then attended Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania on a football scholarship.  After college, Bill enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. and had a distinguished six year career.

Bill’s love of travel and adventure led him to a 35 year career at Delta Airlines.  After transferring from Indianapolis In. to Dallas, Texas. Love Field, he met his future wife, Cindy.  Bill and Cindy started their family in Dallas, but Bill’s career was beginning to escalate. Upon transferring from Dallas to Delta’s home office in Atlanta, Ga., Bill excelled in Customer Service and led the opening of several City Ticket Offices.  He then accepted a position of Assistant Station Manager at the Los Angeles, Ca. Airport.  Delta recognized his strengths and moved Bill to its Hub at Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport where he reunited with an incredible group of friends and colleagues that he maintained relationships with.

After retiring, Bill enjoyed the good life.  He concentrated on his love of golf and travel.  He also enjoyed spending summers in Bedford, Pennsylvania.  Bill was a 24 year member of The Bedford Elks as well as an eight year member of The American Legion.

Bill was a genuine friend to everyone he ever met and will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider donating to the cancer foundation of your choice “In Memory of William I. Bayer”

A special appreciation to Hospice nurses Chanda and Mary, and Spiritual Counselor Reverend Bonnie Edwards.