Samuel Wayne Bayless “Sam or Sammy” to some, 74, of New Market and Crawfordsville, got his wings at Franciscan Health Lafayette on Jan. 31, 2023.
He was born Jan. 16, 1949, at Culver Hospital in Crawfordsville, delivered by Dr. Kirtly. His parents were Irvin Samuel Bayless and Mary B. (Hutchison) Bayless.
Sam first married Cheryl Trimble on May 21, 1972. They had two children, Kimberly Bayless of Crawfordsville and Robert “Rob” of Medford, Oregon. They have three grandchildren, Jadyn, Chloe and Elliott Bayless.
He later married Susan Cook Sylvester Jones. She has two children, Colleen and Scott.
Sam then married Peggy Skinkle Rich. She has four children, Jay, Jeremy, Linda and Jamie. Together, they greatly loved Hanna Rich Alexander and her son, Waylon Isaiah. Peggy also had grandchildren, Gavin, Isabelle, Olivia and Logan Rich.
Sam met Karen Jane Scott on April 17, 2015. She has a son, David. After two dates, Sam had a heart attack on May 15, 2015. Karen was at his bedside and stayed with him until he was released from the hospital. He decided he better keep her so they were married in the eyes of the Lord in a pioneer wedding on July 25, 2018.
Sam graduated from New Market High School, Class of 1967. He then went on to college at Indiana State, graduating in 1971 with a bachelor’s degree in education. After college, he taught two years at Southmont High School. He then worked at Crawford Industries for eight years; he did woodworking at this time for a hobby. Sam later worked for Charlie Kenny Construction for several years. During which, he started his own company, Bayless Specialties, doing screen printing and flea markets part-time. After leaving Charlie Kenny, Sam went full-time with screen printing and construction work until 2005. He then worked at Home of Friendless Animals until 2011. In 2013, Sam happily retired.
Sam is a member of Whiteville Christian Church and the Montgomery County Pioneer Association.
He is survived by his children, wives and many cousins. Sam was preceded in death by his parents, aunts and uncles, step-son Jeremy Rich and cousin Sandy (Bayless) Brown.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Sam’s name may be made to Home For Friendless Animals, AWL, Montgomery County Pioneer Association or Whitesville Christian Church Youth.
Visitation will be held Monday, Feb. 6 from noon until the time of the service at 2 p.m. at Whitesville Christian Church, 3603 S. Ladoga Road outside of Crawfordsville with pastors, Mike Whitacre and Andy Schindler officiating. Burial will follow at Waynetown Masonic Cemetery.
Share memories and condolences, www.SandersFuneralCare.com.
