Howard E. Bayless

BAYLESS, Howard , age 87, of Centerville passed away Sunday, August 31, 2008 at Hospice of Dayton with his family by his side. Howard was born on Sept. 27, 1920 in Winchester, OH. He was proud to be one of the twelve graduates of Winchester High School class of 1938. At 5' 8" he was a member of the basketball team in high school-because there were only twelve graduates. Howard developed a strong work ethic, starting when he was seven picking strawberries and continuing until he was in his eighties. After high school, Howard studied accounting at Miami University in Oxford, OH where he graduated with a Bachelors degree from the school of Business Administration in 1942. At Miami, he was a member of the marching band and was introduced to his future wife, Martha Jean Waggoner, as his roommates' girlfriend's roommate. He later became re-acquainted with Martha at a football game in her home town of Greenville, OH in 1945, and the rest is history. After six years of dating, Howard finally married Martha on October 13, 1951. After graduating from Miami, Howard joined the Air Force and served in North Africa, Italy and France during WW II. While in the Air Force, he was a member of the 19th Supply Squadron, 19th Air Depot Group where he cultivated many lifelong friendships. After returning from military service, Howard started a career with the Mead Corporation, retiring in 1982 from their corporate accounting department. After retirement, Howard worked as an accountant for various companies, finally working part-time for Mesco Corporation. In his spare time, Howard enjoyed fishing at the Dayton Outing Club in Bear Lake, MI. He also enjoyed golf, tennis and bowling. He bowled in a league at Beaver View Bowl with his family until he was 85 years old. In this league he obtained many awards from the ABC. He also enjoyed hunting for rubies and sapphires in North Carolina where he always found the biggest and best gems. Howard was a loyal, true and humble father, husband, son and friend. He was a kind and gentle man with a great sense of humor who was loved by many people. In addition to his wife of 56 years, Martha, he is survived by his daughter, Barbara Bayless, her fianc Ron Mosbarger, and his family, and many grand-animals. He is also survived by his cousins, Elmer and June Reighley and their family as well as numerous friends from his school days, time in the service, jobs, the neighborhood and from sporting activities throughout the years. The family of Howard E. Bayless would like to extend their appreciation to the wonderful care given to Howard by the staff and members of Dayton Oncology and Hematology and Sycamore Glen during his recent illness. Howard will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. If desired contributions may be made to ones favorite charity. Funeral services will be held 1:30 PM Friday, Sept. 5, 2008 at the Routsong Funeral Home, 81 N. Main St. Centerville, OH with Chaplin Doris McCollum officiating. Burial will be in Centerville Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6 to 8 PM on Thursday at the funeral home. For other remembrances and condolences please visit our website at www.routsong.com

Funeral Home:
Centerville Routsong Funeral Home
81 N. Main St.
Centerville, OH
US 45459