Obituary - Kenneth Leonard Bayley

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Midland Reporter-Telegram (TX) — Tuesday, January 14, 2003 Kenneth L. Bayley of Midland, Texas passed away Saturday January 11, 2003. 

He was born November 11, 1921 to Cheston and Vannie Lee Bayley at his grandparents' home eleven miles south of Plainview, Texas. He spent his formative years in the Bellview Community, south of Plainview. He graduated from Plainview High School in 1939. 

Kenneth enlisted in the 131st Field Artillery, Texas National Guard in 1938 from which he was discharged in 1939 when he enlisted in the US Army. He served 24 years in the Army and Air Force. He retired as a Captain from the Air Force in 1962. In addition to several campaign medals, he was awarded the Bronze Star. He was also awarded the Military Merit Medal with bronze spear by the Republic of the Philippines. 

Kenneth married Christine Reves of Lockney, Texas on November 10, 1947 at Bolling AFB, Washington D.C. Christine died in 1991. 

Kenneth and Bonnie Freeman were married September 6, 1991 in Belton, Missouri. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Dorothy Sinclair. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie; brother, Gerald Lynn Bayley of Plainview, TX, son, Eric Bayley and wife Paula of Midland, TX, son Charles Bayley and wife Susan of Bennett, CO; daughter, Laura Peck and husband Robert of Cedaredge, CO; stepsons, David Freeman and wife Sandy of Hollister, MO, William Freeman of Dallas, TX, James Freeman and wife Debbie of Marion, IL, Michael Freeman and wife Twila of Overland Park, KS, seven grandchildren, numerous step-grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren. 

Kenneth lived in many places in the United States but spent over 40 years in Colorado. He was a voracious reader with a very broad span of interests. He especially liked poetry and history. He was a man of the outdoors with a keen interest in hunting and fishing. He enjoyed regular contact with a large number of friends and relatives. 

Kenneth was a life member of the American Guerrillas of Mindanao, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and The Retired Officers Association. 

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 15, 2003 at the Lemons Funeral Home Chapel in Plainview, Texas. Midland arrangements are under the direction of Pipkin Funeral Home. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the American Cancer Society.