Earl Lee Bays, 79, Dixon, passed away Monday, July 29, 2019, at his residence.
He was born July 21, 1940, to Barney Lee and Thelma Inex (Alexander) Bays, at Mt. Vernon.
He was first united in marriage on June 28, 1958, to Velma Wannita Huffman, at Dixon. She preceded him in death. He was later united in marriage April 29, 2003, to Mary Syrilda (Atterberry) Bays, at Dixon.
Earl was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, St. Roberts. He had been employed as a correctional officer for the Missouri Department of Corrections in Jefferson City from 1969 to 2000, retiring as a captain after 31 years.
He was also preceded in death by parents, Barney and Thelma; brothers, Wayne Bays in infancy and Bill Bays; half-sister, Virginia Curtman; and half-brother, Warren Bays.
He is survived by wife, Mary, of the home; son, Doug Lee Bays of Dixon; daughter, Catherine Marie Heinz of Salt Lake City, Utah; brother, Jim Bays of Cedar Grove, Tenn.; sister, Ruth Headrick of Tucson, Ariz.; four grandchildren, seven step-children, 18 step-grandchildren and 23 step-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Friday, Aug. 2, in Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, Dixon. Private interment was in Clifty Cemetery, near Dixon. Memorial contributions suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
