1. Gregory "Greg" Mayer, 77, of rural Bluffton, passed away Thursday morning, Dec. 23, 2021, at his home, with his loving family embracing him.

Greg was born on Mar. 7, 1944, in Bardstown, KY, to Joseph A. and Catherine A. (Ray) Mayer.  He married C. Louise Sympson in Bardstown on Aug. 21, 1965; she survives.

Born and raised on a farm in Cox's Creek, KY, Greg graduated from St. Joseph Prep High School in Bardstown, KY, and later graduated from the University of Kentucky with a bachelor's degree in Animal Science.  He was manager at Rose Acre Farms in Cortland, IN, and later employed at Briner Building in Bluffton for 11 years.  He also enjoyed working at Bayless Hybrids Seed Corn in Wells County.

Greg worked alongside Louise and their children, operating Mayer Greenhouse in Wells County for 24 years.  He met everyone with a smile and a greeting.  In their retirement years, Greg and Louise volunteered for the Florida State Parks near Deland, FL, for 12 years.  Greg enjoyed flying and hunting Native American artifacts, but most of all, he loved his grandchildren and took great enjoyment in mentoring them.

Greg was a long-time member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bluffton, where he also served as a religious education teacher for many years.  He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council #7555. Greg left a mark on everyone he met.  His Catholic faith was his strength and he lived for his family.

In addition to his wife, Greg is survived by his six children, Patrick (LeAnn) Mayer of Bluffton, Karen (David) Lenart of Seymour, Charlotte Buening of Greensburg, Daniel (Audrey) Mayer of Buffalo, KY, Matthew (Jeanette) Mayer of Bluffton, and Susan (Rob) Cleveland of Saint Joseph, MI; three sisters, Julia (David Burse) Mayer, Bernie (David) Sutherland, and Mary Catherine (Chuck) Heil, all of Kentucky; five brothers, John (Shirley) Mayer, Leo (Bertha) Mayer, Charlie (Hortensia) Mayer, Robert (Valerie) Mayer, all of Kentucky, and Tom (Debie) Mayer, of Indiana; and a special family friend, Amy Bayless Burry, who was like a daughter to Greg and Louise.  Greg and Louise were also blessed with 30 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Aside from his parents, Greg was preceded in death by two brothers, James Robert Mayer and Dr. James A. Mayer, and a sister, Sr. Francis Agnes Mayer.

A Mass of Christian burial will be on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021, at 11:00 AM, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1300 North Main St., Bluffton, IN, with one hour of visitation prior to the service at the church.  Fr. David Violi will officiate.  Burial will follow at St. Paul Cemetery in Wells County.

Goodwin – Cale & Harnish Memorial Chapel in Bluffton has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Per Greg and the family's request, in lieu of floral tributes and gifts, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church.