Russell W. Baer

Russell W. Baer, May 21, 1944 - April 4, 2024

Russell William Baer ended his journey in this world on April 4, 2024. He was born May 21, 1944, to the late E. K. 'Bud' and Della (Drayer) Baer. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

He was a graduate of the Akron East High School class of 1962 where he was a star athlete in both basketball and tennis, representing East in state finals in tennis.

Russ graduated from the University of Akron with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education with a double major in Physical Ed & Health and Special Education. He taught Special Ed at Bettes in Akron and PE & Health at Lincoln in Cuyahoga Falls. He also volunteered as a swimming teacher at Weaver Workshop.

He was a very popular barber in Mogadore, Cuyahoga Falls, and Tallmadge where he enjoyed cutting hair for residents who were more friends than customers. He was always up for the challenge of adding designs to cuts for members of the high school sports teams. After retiring, he visited the homebound and cut their hair until a massive stroke in 2015 prevented him from continuing this ministry.

Russ loved music and was known as the "music man" at many local gatherings. He knew his sports and would "call" games with extreme accuracy. He loved the Cavs, Indians and Browns. He and Linda enjoyed a winter home in Florida and loved going to car shows in the 2002 T-Bird Russ bought for her. Russ had several dogs during his lifetime and always had a special connection with them. Even while bedridden, his grand pups would visit and fall asleep next to him. He loved every minute as they brought him comfort and peace.

He was a wonderful example of a Christian husband and father. Russ and Linda celebrated 57 years of marriage. They repeated their vows on their 50th Anniversary, July 2, 2016, at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church with seven of the ten original members of their wedding party and the priest who officiated, Fr. Arthur Bacher. He and their beloved Pastor, Fr. David Durkee concelebrated the anniversary mass. This special celebration was featured in articles in local papers with their story and photos of both the original and anniversary party.

Russ is survived by loving wife, Linda, who cared for him in their home during the nine-year journey following his stroke. He is also survived by their children Brian (Amanda), Lisa Chapman, and Jeffrey (Wendy); grandchildren Kyle, Elizabeth, Benjamin, Jacob, Kendra, McKenzie and Olivia; sister Karen (Gary) Francis, nephews and nieces. Russ was preceded in death by three days by his big brother, Dewey. Special thanks to Jill Ferris who aided Linda in Russ' care and the many friends who supported the family with prayers, visits, calls, food, cards, yard work, etc. You made this heavy journey lighter.

He will be missed by all who know him, but hopefully are comforted knowing the music will keep on playing in Heaven and Russ is enjoying every moment.

Calling hours will be at Newcomer Funeral Home, 131 N. Canton Road Akron, on Friday, April 12, from 5 - 7 pm. Mass of the Christian burial will be at Queen of Heaven Church, 1800 Steese Road in Green on Saturday, April 13, at 10 am followed by burial at Hillside Memorial Park, 1025 Canton Road, Akron. Friends are invited to join the family for a luncheon and celebration of life in the Queen of Heaven Parish Life Center at 1 pm.

Memorials can be made to the church or a charity of your choice.

To share a memory of Russ or to leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.