Allen Merle Bayless of Potosi, Missouri departed this life on June 4, 2014 at the Georgian Gardens Nursing Home having reached the age of ninety one years, five months and six days. He was born on December 29, 1922 in Auburn, Kansas a son to the late Charles Bayless and Mabel (Dutcher) Bayless.
Allen owned his own house moving business. HE worked demolition and construction and the valve business.
Allen was a man with a big heart and lived life to its fullest. He loved his family, his fellow man and his country. He enjoyed reading, fishing, hunting, camping, grilling, and traveling. He loved to host family parties, reunions, and shrimp fests.
He was a real people person, always ready to help others who were in need. He was a man of action, and when he heard the Statue of Liberty was in need of repair, he helped raise $10,000 to go towards the re-building of it.
Reading was an important part of his life and he thought all children should have access to books. So he bought children's books by the truckload, and donated them. Al's legacy will forever live on in the hearts of so many that he touched with his generosity.
In addition to his parents, Al was preceded in death by four brothers Ray Bayless, Roy Bayless, Glen Bayless, Paul Bayless and two sisters Sylvia Hannahan and Ruby Bayless.
On December 23, 1968, Al was united in marriage to Sylvia Portell and they shared forty five years together.
Al served in the United States Army from 1945 – 1946.
Survived by Al are his wife Sylvia "Sue" Bayless of Potosi; four daughters Julie Bayless and husband Matthew Boyer of Potosi, Lesa McKee and husband David of Potosi, Linda Bayless of Idaho, Becky Remy of Kansas; two sons AL Bayless, Jr. of California, Tom Bayless and wife Deb of California; twin brother Alvin Bayless and wife Eileen of Minnesota; numerous grandchildren; great grandchildren; relatives and friends who will sadly miss him.
Funeral services were conducted on Saturday, June 7, 2014 at 11 AM at the DeClue Memorial Chapel with Rev. Mark Wilkinson officiating. Serving as pallbearers were Garry Robart, Matt Boyer, David McKee, Robert Bone, Mike Bone, Charles Bone and David Taylor. Honorary pallbearer was Eddy Robart.
Interment and final prayers were held at the St. Joachim Catholic Cemetery. All arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the DeClue Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Disabled Veterans P.O. Box 14301 Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.