John Franklin "Bud" Gayer

John Franklin "Bud" Gayer, 93, of Goshen, Ark. died Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015 at his home. He was born Dec. 23, 1921 in the Brush Creek area north of Goshen to Charlie William and Minnie Lucinda Garrett Gayer. He was born, raised and lived most of his life in the Goshen area and in the house he built. He joined the Army Air Corp in 1942 during World War II and was training as a tail gunner in a B29 when the war ended. He loved being a cattle and chicken farmer most of his life but also worked for Baldwin Piano Company and Shakespeare Industries for several years in his younger days. He enjoyed square dancing for many years. He last attended the First Southern Baptist Church in Goshen. He was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Brandy Ann Gayer July 17, 1977; two sisters, Helen Robbins October 5, 1979 and Pauleda Sariego May 27, 2003. Survivor include three sons, Burley Gayer and wife Pamela of Little Flock, Lonnie Gayer and wife, Amanda of Lowell, Frank Gayer and companion Kathy Graham of Goshen; one brother, Paul Gayer of Fayetteville; two sisters, Genell Bienert of Portland, Ore. and Ruth Ada Heckert of Wichita, Kan.; seven grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild. The family wishes to express their gratitude to his wonderful caregivers and hospice personnel. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, 2015 at the Backstrom-Pyeatte Funeral Home of Springdale. Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, 2015 at the First Southern Baptist Church, on mile east of Goshen town center on Hwy 45, with Pastor Doug Paschal officiating. Burial will follow in the Goshen cemetery. Pallbearers will be Cory Gayer, Jason Ervin, Kriss Collins, Josh Gayer, Travis Garton and Jason Garton. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Circle of Life Hospice of Springdale or the charity of your choice. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.Backstrom-Pyeatte.com.