John Roy Mayer, 79, of Angola, IN, passed away Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at his home in Angola surrounded by his loving family.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater with Pastor Matthew Postiff officiating. A burial of ashes will follow the service.
Visitation will be held that morning from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home.
He was born November 1, 1946 in Kendallville, IN, to Donald and Julia (Cary) Mayer. July 23, 1967 John married Janet Louise Widener in Bronson, MI. Together they shared nearly 59 years of marriage, building a life centered on faith, hard work, and family. Janet survives.
John grew up on his family’s gladiola farm, where he developed a lifelong dedication to agriculture and hard work. He taught at Girard Elementary after earning his bachelor’s degree in education from Western Michigan University, while also starting his own small gladiola business along with his wife Janet.
After two years, John left the teaching profession to become self-employed and satisfy his entrepreneurial spirit. In addition to expanding their gladiola business, John and Janet went on to also grow various fruits and vegetables, establish Sunshine Gardens greenhouses and Chicago Pike Florist.
John was a talented baseball pitcher during his time at Bronson High School and went on to pitch for Western Michigan University. John was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 1966. Although John never played for the Tigers, his love for the game continued, playing for Dean’s, where his team captured both the 1973 state championship and the national title at the American Amateur Congress Stan Musial World Series.
Baseball was a defining part of John’s life, and he carried that passion into coaching, mentoring countless young athletes in boys’ baseball and girls’ softball at Bronson Community Schools. Generations of players benefited from his steady leadership, encouragement, and deep knowledge of the game.
John found great joy in the outdoors. Whether casting a line on a quiet evening or nurturing his plants, he appreciated the simple gifts of nature.
Above all else, he cherished time with his family. His greatest pride was found not in titles or accomplishments, but in the love he shared with those closest to him. John will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his love for the game of baseball, his sense of humor and the steady presence he provided to his family.
In addition to his wife, Janet Mayer of Angola, IN John leaves behind his children Jill Smoker of Coldwater, MI, Eric (Nova) Mayer of Angola, IN, Mark (Rebecca) Mayer of Caledonia, MI; his siblings Lynn (Jo) Mayer of Bronson, MI, Louise (Larry) Miller of Greensboro, NC, Jim (Martha) Mayer, Stan Mayer both of Bronson, MI; his grandchildren Jenna (Caleb) McGuire, Jolie (Kameron) Haviland, John Mayer, Vivian Mayer, Mark Mayer, Maria Mayer, Moses Mayer; his great grandchildren Haven McGuire and Rory McGuire; and his many loving nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister and brother-in-law Elizabeth and Lloyd Miller, and his sister-in-law Sharry Mayer.
Memorial donations are suggested to the Bronson Athletic Booster Club.
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