Max Henry Baer

In loving memory of our dad, Max Henry Baer.Max was born in Rayne, La. 11-25-1933. He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings, wife and stepson. Parents, Louis Henry Baer and Jeanne Callout Baer; wife, Lise Ann Butcher Shockley Baer and her son, Britt Shockley; Siblings, Miriam Richard, Margaret Ann McGrew, Patricia Domingue, Yvonne Gary, Jo Ann Rodrigue, Phillip Baer, Bernard Baer, Sigmund Baer and Louis Baer.  Max is survived by his sister, Franciska Weidner; children, Jeannine “GIGI” Lewis Johnson, Max R. Baer and wife, Denise, Anna Michelle Zoghbi and husband, Hamid, Neal B. Baer and wife Jennifer, Todd M. Shockley and wife Nanette; grandchildren, Christopher Lewis, Blake Lewis, Eve Coberly, Max C. Baer, Clint Baer, Anna Baer, Julia Baer, Claudia Baer, Ange’le Baer, Nicole Zoghbi, Sarah Zoghbi, Max Zoghbi, Michael Zoghbi, Ryan Baer, Mishia Baer, Matthew Bishop, Hanna Bishop, David Bishop, Emily Wilson, Kaleigh Williams, Abbey Bishop, Chase Baer; great grandchildren, Elijah Coberly, Savanna Coberly, Ethan Baer, Connor Baer, Michael Baer, Mila Baer-Gilyard, Fiona Baer, Sonny Zoghbi and Rory Zoghbi. Max was a loving father, husband, grandfather, friend and a strong civic leader. He embraced his Cajun Culture through storytelling and cuisine. His career with the United States Department of Agriculture afforded him to combine his love of outdoors, help in serving farmers and the state of Louisiana. His services included his participation in the Navy, serving in Korea, Knights of Columbus, Beaver Club, Kiwanis Club, Lions Club, Master Gardeners, Rotary Club, The American Heart Association and the Catholic church as a lector. Max wrote the cook book Cajun Men Cook to support the Beaver Club. He could be found in church, school or Cajun Dome kitchens cooking up gumbo for the masses as a fund raiser. A friend told the story of Max sweating as he stirred over a huge pot of gumbo. He fussed and said, Max, your sweat dripped in the pot. Dad quickly replied; don’t worry, I will check the salt before I add more. His quick wit and rascal smile made it easy for people to like him. Dad took care of his neighbors. He really got a thrill out of telling jokes and meeting new people. He was devoted to his siblings who he loved deeply. They endured a lot together, being 11 children losing their parents at a young age. Dad said the happiest time of his life was having his 4 baby Baers, Jeannine, Max, Michelle and Neal. They brought him great and joy. Dad’s hot buttery biscuits came with Blackburn syrup and glass of cold milk. He made sure our bellies were full. He took us to church on time. He tried his best to be there for us. His hobbies were cooking, gardening and supporting the needs of the clubs he serviced. Having a dog in his life gave him companionship. His devotion to God and his faith gave him hope. This was strengthened by Victoria Lemon, in his final year. Max Henry Baer had a strong work ethic and will to persevere. He had a big heart and was very proud of his family. He liked to say, “If I don’t see you tomorrow, HELLO.” Dad, we love you. You will be forever missed. After 89 years of life, Dad’s journey to heaven was March 4, 2023 in Gonzales, La.

A service to celebrate Max’s life will be held on June 10, 2023  at John The Evangelist Catholic Church 15208 LA-73 Prairieville, LA, with visitation from 11:30am until a memorial mass at 12:00pm, officiated by Father Jerry Martin. 1:00pm Internment-burial to follow at Hope Haven Garden of Memory in Prairieville (near church grounds) and 1:20pm Lunch in the church hall to conclude the day. Arrangements are entrusted with Chruch Funeral Services of St. Amant, LA.  To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.churchfuneralservices.com