Joseph L. Bayless

Mr. Joseph Lynn "Joe" Bayless, 88, of Oblong, IL died Friday, May 24, 2024, at Ridgeview Health and Rehab Center in Oblong, IL. Joe was born on October 25, 1935, to Duard and Naomi (Secrest) Bayless in Lexington, KY. On October 4, 1958, he married the love of his life, Virginia Anglin. They were happily married for 65 years. Joe was a high school graduate of Breckinridge Training School class of 1953. He attended Morehead State University in Morehead, KY and graduated with his bachelor's degree in 1958. Joe returned to the university in 1963 for his master's degree, which he earned in 1964.
Joe was a hardworking and kindhearted man who spent 34 years preparing the future leaders of the world. He taught biology and general science classes at Oblong High School (OHS) and co-sponsored the science club. He touched the lives of many and inspired several of his students to pursue a career in education. He was renowned for his use of puns in classes to foster learning and make science fun. Joe coached OHS sports teams throughout his teaching career, which included football, basketball, and baseball. He was also the videographer for football and basketball games. He spent many Friday nights in the "crow's nest" shooting videos at football games around southern Illinois. Joe was a pioneer in getting high school Scholastic Bowl established in east-central Illinois and coached the OHS Scholastic Bowl team from 1981 to 1990. He led the team to three straight (1988-1990) national tournaments. In 2013, Joe was inducted into the Illinois High School Scholastic Bowl Coaches' Association Hall of Fame. Following retirement, Joe was president of the Crawford County Retired Teachers Association, did some occasional substitute teaching, and briefly worked for the Hershey Production Plant in Robinson, IL.
Joe was an active member of the community as he served as Village of Oblong City Clerk and as a trustee of the Oblong Village Board. He was instrumental in getting the current Oblong Municipal Building built and establishing a pension fund for Village employees. In addition, Joe coached summer baseball from Pee Wee League to Babe Ruth League for fourteen years. He was also Cubmaster for the Cub Scouts for one year.
Joe was a faithful member of the First Christian Church in Oblong. He was very involved in the growth and well-being of his congregation and served as a deacon and elder. He was the president of Kingdom Builders, the treasurer of the Mexican Missionary Organization, served on numerous committees, and taught Sunday School for over 50 years.
In 1955, Joe enlisted in the United States Army Reserves. He excelled through hard work and earned the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6). He was assigned to the following four units over eight years: Second Army, 100th Infantry Division, Fifth Army, and 102nd Infantry Division ("Ozark" Division). Joe was honorably discharged in December 1962.
During his spare time, Joe enjoyed fishing, hunting, trapping, and gardening. He always enjoyed helping students and community members in identifying local plants and animals. For over forty summers, Joe and family would vacation and fish for one or two weeks in northern Minnesota. He would paint barns and houses during the summer to help pay for family vacations. Joe was an avid fan of Cincinnati Reds baseball and University of Kentucky Wildcats basketball.
Survivors include Joe's wife, Virginia Bayless, son and daughter-in-law Mike and Beth Bayless (Fenton, MO), daughter and son-in-law Laura and Michael Harris (Owasso, OK), son and daughter-in-law David and Tami Bayless (Henderson, KY), Grandchildren: Seth Bayless, Lisa Bayless, Lexi Lommock, Lauren Bayless, Madison Bayless, Tali McDuffie; Great Grandchildren: Adrianna Lopez, Joaquín Lopez, and Quincy Shaw.
Preceding him in death are his parents and sister Sue Ellen Ballou.
A visitation for Joe will take place Monday, May 27, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at First Christian Church in Oblong. Funeral Services will be conducted Tuesday, May 28, at 10:00 AM at First Christian Church in Oblong, with Bro. Dee Wolfe officiating. Interment will follow the funeral service in the Oblong Cemetery, Oblong, IL. Military graveside rites will be accorded by the Oblong American Legion.
The family requests memorial donations be made to the Oblong - Junior Baseball, the Oblong Food Pantry, the Oblong Schools Academic Foundation, or the First Christian Church in Oblong. Envelopes will be available at the church and at Pulliam Funeral Home of Oblong. Memorial donations may also be mailed to the funeral home at P.O. Box 121 Oblong, IL 62449. Pulliam Funeral Home of Oblong has been entrusted with the services for Mr. Joseph L. Bayless.