Wayne E. Bays, 84, of Fort Scott and formerly of Thayer, died at 11:40 a.m., Thursday, August 4, 2022, at Medica Lodges in Fort Scott. Born June 22, 1938 in rural Labette County, Wayne was the son of Nova Henry Bays and Lora Alice (George) Bays. They preceded him in death. Wayne was also preceded in death by his wife, Peggy, two brothers, Donald Lee Bays and James Bays; two sisters, Caroline Bogard and Connie Donovan.
Wayne grew up and attended school in the Piper’s Hill area at the Catalpa Grade School. Later, Wayne attended the Labette County Community High School in Altamont until joining the United States Air Force during his senior year of high school. He served in the Air Force from December 12, 1955, until being honorably discharged on December 11, 1959. Wayne moved to Chanute, in the mid-1960s where he worked for 30 years at Chanute Manufacturing as a maintenance supervisor. Wayne loved fishing, hunting and bowling. He had also been a member of the American Legion at Chanute in the past.
Wayne was united in marriage to Peggy (Padgett) Vance July 25, 1966 in Miami, Oklahoma. She passed away July 14, 2000.
Wayne is survived by his brother, Larry Bays (Debbie) of Jacksonville, Florida; sisters, Shirley Morris of Columbus, Nancy Cunningham of Parsons and Wilma Taggart (John) of Labette City. His brother- in-law, Donald Bogard of Chetopa, along with numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman. com.