Robert Bayles

ASHMORE – Robert Dale "Bob" Bayles, 86, of Ashmore, passed away Sunday, July 21, 2024 at home, with his loving family at his side.

His funeral will be at 4:00 p.m. Friday, July 26, 2024 at the Harper-Swickard Funeral Home with Pastor Don Lusk officiating.  Burial will follow in Bell Cemetery, rural Greenup.  Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to:  the Illinois Baptist Disaster Relief Team or Ashmore Baptist Church.

Bob was born July 4, 1938 at Charleston, son of Harry E. and Mary M. (Phipps) Bayles.  He married Martha Lynn "Marty" Lawyer, November 23, 1962.  She preceded him into Heaven, this past Thursday, July 18, 2024.  Surviving is their son, Clint Bayles of Ashmore; grandchildren, Madison Wilson and husband Johnny of Sullivan and Blayne Bayles of Ashmore; one great-granddaughter, Baylor Claire Wilson of Sullivan; and one brother, Ronald R. Bayles and wife Bobbie of Charleston.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

Bob was an active member of Ashmore Baptist Church and took pride in going with the Illinois Baptist Disaster Relief Team, to minister to areas that had been hit by disasters.  He was a U.S. Army National Guard veteran.  Bob was active in the community, serving on the Ashmore Volunteer Fire Department, the Kansas Ambulance Service, and held memberships in the Ashmore Community Club, the Ashmore Masonic Lodge #390 A.F. & A.M., and was a member and Past Exalted Ruler of the Charleston Elks Lodge.  He retired from Kirchner Building Centers, first in Kansas and later in Charleston, after more than thirty years of service.

Bob was a proud husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.  If you knew Bob, he wasn't above giving you a hard time, anytime, anywhere.  His smile, laughter, and loving friendship will be missed by so many.