Thomas Louis Baier

July 11, 1947 — March 18, 2024

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Thomas Louis Baier, 76, passed away peacefully Monday, March 18, 2024, surrounded by his family in Troy. The dash between the dates of Tom’s birth and death may be small, but it contains such a big and beautiful story. Tom was on this earth for 28,018 days, and all who knew him know what a blessing each and every day was. Tom was born and raised in St. Paul, Minn., where he attended St. Bernards Catholic School, spent many winter days playing hockey and loved White Castle burgers.

Tom left Minnesota in 1965 after he voluntarily joined the United States Marine Corp. Tom served two tours of duty in Vietnam and earned a Purple Heart. Sgt. Thomas Louis Baier, USMC, remained a patriot his entire life. Semper Fi.

After Tom joined the USMC, he was stationed at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, Calif. Little did he know at the time, but he would call California his home for the next 54 years. It was a chance encounter that kept Tom rooted in California. He accepted a friend’s invitation to join him to visit his fiancé. While visiting, he caught the eye of the younger sister of his friend’s fiancé, Darlene.

Tom and Darlene were married on June 13, 1970, in Riverside, Calif. Tom and Darlene were married for 53 years, 8 months and 22 days, together until the moment he passed away.

Tom worked in construction most of his life and had tremendous carpentry skills. Tom worked for Lambeth Construction, General Dynamics, Advocate schools and lastly, he finished his career working for the city of Moreno Valley, Calif., until he retired.

Tom was able to pursue his passions wholeheartedly after retirement, golf and art, in which he was masterful at both. On any given beautiful sunshine filled day, Tom could be found on the golf course. Even after his diagnosis of dementia/Alzheimer’s, Tom continued to paint. His family is blessed to have his beautiful art gracing the walls of their homes.

Tom and Darlene moved to Idaho in 2019 to be closer to their family.

Tom spent his life loving his family. Tom instilled his faith, patriotism, work ethic, kindness and genuine love on to each of us. Tom is now home with our heavenly father.

Tom is survived by his wife, Darlene Baier, of Troy; daughter Katrina Bottini (Hal), of Troy; son Darrick Baier (Priscilla), of Troy; son Brian Baier (Willi), of Troy; brother Robert Baier; brother William Baier; and sister Nancy Anderson. Tom is also survived by 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Loyd and Lee Lambeth, William and Alice Baier; and his granddaughter, Cassandra Bottini.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 29, at Short’s Funeral Chapel, 1225 E. Sixth St., Moscow. A reception will follow at 1749 Little Bear Ridge Road, Troy.

Short’s Funeral Chapel of Moscow is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left at shortsfuneralchapel.com.