Bainbridge resident Col. John J. Neuer, USAF retired, age 81, died June 19 at Harrison Hospital.

He was born Oct. 15, 1921 in Wilmington, N.C. to John J. Neuer and Emma Hazel (King) Neuer.

After graduating from New Hanover High School in Wilmington in 1938, he attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., graduating in 1942. In 1953, he completed his master’s degree in nuclear physics from Ohio State University.

He entered the U.S. Air Force in June 1943, retiring in 1969 as a colonel. He was awarded the Legion of Merit in 1969, and a Distinguished Service Medal in 1970.

In 1969 he joined Lockheed Missiles and Space, Inc., where he worked for 19 years before his retirement in 1988.

On April 7, 2003, he married Mary (Maas) Kowalczyk on Bainbridge.

He was a member of the American Legion — Colin Hyde Post 172, the U.S. Military Academy Association of Graduates and the Association of USAF Retired Officers, and attended St. Barnabas Episcopal Church. A fan of model trains, he was a member of the Kitsap Western Division of Bremerton Northern Model RR Club.

He is survived by his wife Mary Kowalczyk-Neuer of Bainbridge; son John J. Neuer, Jr., of San Jose, Calif., and daughters Leann T. Holland of Bainbridge and Patricia A. Best of Naples, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Jean E. (Norton) Neuer.

Services will be held at 1 p.m. June 28 at St. Barnabas. Memorial donations may be made to St. Barnabas Memorial Fund, the Salvation Army, Helpline House, or any veterans organization. Arrangements are under the direction of Kass Funeral Home.