Martin Eugene Bayless

Martin Eugene Bayless of Burlingame, KS, born December 17, 1948 to Harvey Eugene Bayless and Elberta (Hamner) Bayless Drennen, passed away on Saturday, May 9, 2015, surrounded by his family.

He is survived by the following family members: his wife of 47 years, Alberta Marie (Rowe) Bayless of Burlingame; daughter Lesa Anne (Bayless) Brian and her husband, Chris Howard Brian of Rossville; son Carl Eugene Bayless and his significant other, Sandra Little, and his children Faith Elaine Bayless (20), and David Carl Johnathan Bayless (15) of Kansas City; son Andrew Martin Bayless and his wife, Katrina (Saunders) Bayless, and their children, Andrew Martin Bayless, Jr. (16), Eliana Marie Bayless (14), Nehemiah Ruel Bayless (13), and Kelila Chasiyah Bayless (10) of Topeka; and Martin's two sisters and a brother, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Martin was predeceased by his mother and father.

Affectionately nicknamed "Gran-pipa" and "Grumpy-pa" by his grandchildren, he loved spending time with his family going fishing, traveling, visiting zoos, and bowling. He instilled in his children a love for animals, which they passed on to their children. John Wayne being his favorite character, Martin is described by his loved ones as having a "John Wayne personality," complete with cowboy boots and a vest.

Martin had a variety of jobs, and always worked hard. Some of the jobs included the following: railroad lineman driving stakes; Goodyear tire manufacturer; flower deliveryman (He enjoyed bringing joy to peoples' lives at this job.); recycler at Yellowstone and Grand Canyon National Parks; goatherder/farmer; gardener and roadside vegetable vendor; newspaper deliveryman; metal scrapper; and most recently, he fulfilled his dream of seeing the countryside and traveling across the nation with Alberta while delivering buses.

Martin had celebrated 23 years of sobriety through his involvement in Alcoholics Anonymous.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 17, 2015, from 2-4pm at Rossville United Methodist Church, 411 Pearl St., Rossville. As roads are under construction, please follow memorial service signs to the church. Parking is to the rear of the church. Casual attire: jeans, vest, and cowboy boots welcome.

Memorial funds may be sent in his name to any Envista Credit Union, or mailed in care of Lesa Brian and/or Katrina Bayless to: P.O. Box 398, Rossville, KS 66533.

Flowers and cards may be sent to the Rossville United Methodist Church, 411 Pearl St., Rossville, KS 66533, or to Lesa at the above address.