Joseph M. Bayer, 86 of Tyrone, died at his home on October 26, 2021. He was born in Altoona, PA the son of the late John W. and Margerie (DeLong) Bayer. On January 21, 1982, in Bellefonte, PA he married Norma Bruss who survives. Also surviving are two step-daughters: Elise (Dennis Mills) Dumas of Florida, and Lori McConnell of State College; two grandchildren: Sarah McConnell of Ogden, UT, and Matthew McConnell of Williamsburg, PA; and two sisters: Margerie Barner of Harrisburg, and Elizabeth Beringer of Tyrone; several nieces and a nephew; and a special friend: Jason Harris.


Joseph graduated from Tyrone Area High School in 1953. He enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served from 1955 until being honorably discharged in 1959. After his time in the USAF he was contracted by the government to work as a helicopter mechanic during the Vietnam War, something that he was very proud of. Following this he began working for the University Park Airport as an aircraft technician and retired from Penn State after 19 years.


Joe was a master apiarist, keeping bees for more than 30 years. He was also a member of 2 C’s and a B. He enjoyed and was very skilled at drawing, especially charcoal. He liked hunting and fishing, and he also parented many dogs, cats, goats, and donkeys, with Jiggys being his favorite.

Arrangements are under the care of the Richard H Searer Funeral Home, Inc.