By Staff
Baron was born November 3, 1921, the eldest son of Fritz and Maxine Moore Mayer of Mount Union, IA. Raised on a sheep farm, he was active in the local 4H programs and educated in the public schools of Henry County, IA . A volunteer in the US Navy in 1942, Baron entered the V-12 program and was sent to Duke University in Durham, NC in 1943. He completed his education at Webb Institute of Naval Architecture in New York, graduating with a degree in Marine Engineering and a commission as a Second Lieutenant in 1946. While at Duke, he met Kathleen Duncan of Durham, NC and they were married in Duke Chapel in February 1947.
Baron and Kathleen (Kaye) made their home in Danvers, MA, where they reared six children. Baron volunteered with the Boy Scouts and athletic associations, served on the YMCA Board and Recreation Committee, helping to bring Little League to Danvers. Baron served 8 terms as a Selectman (1959-1983) including a number of years as Chairman. He received commendations from the Senate and House of Representatives for his commendable service to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as well as from the Essex County Selectman’s Association, for whom he had served two terms as President.
Baron believed strongly in community service and active participation in local affairs. He is still honored through the Town of Danvers’ Baron Mayer Award, presented annually to a citizen “who has given greatly to the community through volunteerism.”
Baron worked for General Electric Company, first in Schenectady, NY and for most of his career in Lynn, MA. He was Manager of Manufacturing Engineering for the Medium Steam Turbine Division. He retired in 1985 after 39 years with GE. General Electric’s Elfun Society recognized Baron for outstanding public service in 1973-74.
In 1987 Baron and Kaye moved to Charlotte, NC where they lived for 10 years before moving to Washington, NC in 1997. In Washington, Baron served on the Board of the Friends of Brown Library. The Mayers are members of First Presbyterian Church.
Baron is survived by his wife of 62 years, Kathleen, and four of his six children: sons Fred Mayer and wife Judy of Charlotte, NC and William Mayer and wife Nan of Laurens, SC, and daughters Marion (Marty) Mayer of Middleburg, FL, and Nancy Nixon of Rocky Mount, NC, and his grandchildren. His sister and brother-in-law Dana and Frank Pacejka still live in Downers Grove, IL. Baron was preceded in death by his daughter and son-in-law, Emily and Tim Ashburn of Greenville, NC and daughter Ellen Roberson of Washington, NC and his brother and sister-in-law Abbott and Ramona Mayer of Cedar Rapids, IA.
The family will receive friends at Paul Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 1 from 5-7 p.m. A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church on Thursday July 2 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Lee Kinney officiating. Condolences may be left at www.paulfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a remembrance to the Friends of Brown Library at 122 Van Norden Street, Washington, NC 27889 or First Presbyterian Church, 211 West 2nd Street, Washington, NC 27889.
Paul Funeral Home of Washington is serving the Mayer family.
Paid Obituary