John Carroll Lauer Jr.

John “Jack” Carroll Lauer, Jr. departed this life in the early morning hours of May 13, 2022 after an extended illness. Jack’s life culminated in service, generosity, and devotion to his faith, country, and family.

Jack was born in 1941 and grew up in Baltimore, MD. He graduated from Mount Saint Joseph High School in Baltimore, MD. Jack later graduated from Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, MD with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and obtained his Masters in Economics from the University of Northern Colorado. He was commissioned in the United States Air Force and spent the next 27 years proudly serving his country, retiring at the rank of Colonel in 1991. He was a proud veteran serving in both the Vietnam and first Gulf War. His distinctive decorated military career included numerous awards to include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Distinguished Presidential Unit Citations, Air Force Outstanding Unit and Organizational Excellence Awards, Combat Readiness Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service/Campaign Medals, Vietnam Gallantry Cross, and Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon.

After retiring from the Air Force, he worked as a contractor in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for 4 years before returning to the United States to further serve his country teaching Air Force Junior ROTC Cadets at Avondale High School in Avondale, GA for 12 years.

He was a devoted Catholic and long time member of St. Bede Catholic Church. He faithfully served multiple positions in the Knights of Columbus Council 893 and was elected Grand Knight where he upheld the four key principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism.

Always a strong supporter of Catholic education, his service continued as a substitute teacher, and later taught 9th grade religion and was Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s first Dean of Students. Jack also volunteered many years of his time as the voice of Montgomery Catholic announcing boys and girls basketball, volleyball, baseball, and softball games and countless tournaments. His efforts were rewarded as the recipient of the Charlie Harbin Distinguished Service Award to recognize those selfless individuals who have significantly served Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Carroll Lauer, Sr. and Estelle Lauer of Baltimore, MD., and his beloved granddaughter, Makenzie Rae Martin of Montgomery, AL.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Kimberly Martin (Andy) of Montgomery, AL, his son, Kevin Lauer (Linda) of Chesapeake, VA, his sister, Patricia Lahner (Fritz) of Berlin, MD, his nieces, Danielle Lauer and Meghan Woods (Raymond), his four grandchildren; Lauren Warner (Ryan), Gabrielle King (Trey), Annah Lauer, Dylan Martin (Mary Frances), his five great grandchildren, and three more on the way.

He was the most giving, loving, and supportive man, with a contagious smile and presence that blessed all who knew him. Whether you knew him as John, Jack, Dad, Papa, TaTa, Coach, or Colonel, he truly was one of a kind and will be missed so very much. We love you.

Friends are cordially invited to a celebration of life gathering on May 19th beginning at 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm at Alabama Heritage Funeral Home 10505 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, Alabama 36117. Funeral Mass will be conducted beginning at 11:00 am on May 20th at St. Bede Catholic Church with the committal service to follow at Alabama National Cemetery at 2:00 pm.