Obituaries

John Frank Mayer, born on July 11th 1938 in Dayton, Kentucky, passed away on October 17th, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Fort Thomas with his loving wife of 62 years by his side.

John was a pro at anything he put his mind to. From spending nights volunteering at Speers Memorial Hospital while still in high school, to spending 3 years in the Army as an engineer, to becoming a toy inventor at Kenner. He could put anything together, including inventing the Sit n’ Spin and many of the original Star Wars Toys. He loved to make people smile. Even in retirement he learned how to craft violins, guitars, and any toy his grandkids desired. Their Baba was like their own personal Santa’s elf.

The thing John put his mind to the most was being there for his family. Until they learned how to drive themselves, he picked his granddaughters up from school every day and showed up an hour early to make sure he got the exact same parking spot so they always knew where to find him. He could be found at every single dance recital, concert, school play, and golf match cheering them on.

John leaves behind his wife Rose, their two children Drew (Suzie) and Kimberly (Todd), and four grandchildren Kira, Clara, Melody, and Miles. The family would like to thank Bluegrass Care Navigators hospice, with special thanks to Silver. They would also like to thank home caregiver Hannah for her help in his final months.

Family and friends will gather at the St. Stephens Cemetery Chapel on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 11:00 am, a funeral service will begin at 11:30 am.