Dennis Eric "Denny" Bays

Dennis Eric “Denny” Bays, son of the late Warren Wilson and Beverly June (Hendrix) Bays, was born December 23, 1951 in Waynesville, Missouri. Denny grew up on the family farm in Buckhorn, Missouri and attended Laquey Elementary School through 8th grade. He then began attending Waynesville High School and graduated in 1970. Upon graduating from high school, Denny worked various construction jobs, and then went to work for St. Robert Police Department in 1978 where he completed over 1,000 hours of certified training at the Missouri Highway Patrol Academy. Denny left the department in 1983 and went back into construction for Bales Construction for many years. In the early 1960’s, Denny attended the Buckhorn Baptist Church and was baptized. On August 17, 1985, Denny married the love of his life Yvonna G. Nelson. They were married in Waynesville and shared over 25 years of marriage together and many wonderful memories. They were blessed with three children: Eric, Lynn and Brittany. Denny was a success at everything he did. He worked very hard at being the BEST. In earlier years, Denny was a participant of every softball league in Pulaski County and remained very active until his love of family and horses took him back into the Barrel Racing Circuit. Denny successfully raised and trained many fast horses. He also enjoyed the outdoors to include deer hunting. His love of sports shines prominently through all his children. In his free time, Denny spent every minute he could with his family and friends especially enjoying outdoor activities. He excelled as a competitive pool player and he finally remained content on winning repeatedly on the local circuits. Denny was a member of the Pulaski County Pool League, National Barrel Horse Association, Better Barrel Racing Association, Fortune 5 Barrel Racing Productions and the Waynesville Masonic Lodge #375 AF & AM. Denny passed away at 5:04 p.m. Friday, March 25, 2011 at his home surrounded by his family after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. Denny leaves to cherish his memory his wife: Yvonna Bays of the home; two sons: Eric Andrew Bays (wife: Heather) of Waynesville and Lynn Ray Bays (fiancé: Breonna) of Waynesville; one daughter: Brittany Gayle Waters (husband: Jake) of Buckhorn); one step-son: John August Reutter of Holts Summit; father-in-law: Leon Nelson of Waynesville; six grandchildren: Brandon, Brooklyn, Alyssa, Brooke, Samantha and Jace; two brothers-in-law: Gene Nelson (wife: Mary) Kansas City, KS and Jerry Nelson (wife: Barbara) of Waynesville; three sisters-in-law: Cheryl Brougham (husband: Tom) of Kansas City, KS, Penny Pratt (husband: Randy) of Waynesville and Susie Perry (husband: John) of Waynesville; several aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Denny was preceded in death by his brother, Warren “Lynn” Bays; mother-in-law, Faye Howard and brother-in-law, Don Nelson. Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 30, 2011 in the Buckhorn Baptist Church with Rev. Danny Graves officiating. The songs “Beulah Land”, “I’ll Meet You in the Morning” and “Believe” were played. Serving as escorts were Jim Bales, Dennis Thompson, Dick Bales, Terry Robertson, Ron Long, Jerry Chilton, Brad Richards, Rick Ransom, Glen Hidgon, Tony Pitcock and Ron Pinkston. Burial followed in the Waynesville Memorial Park with Mr. Dale Eads providing his horse drawn buckboard team to transport Denny to the cemetery. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Denny Bays to the Don Nelson Scholarship Fund or to the Bays Family and may be left at the funeral home.

Dennis Eric "Denny" Bays

December 23, 1951 - March 25, 2011