Eric Andrew Bays

Eric Andrew Bays, “eBays” or “Breezy”, son of Denny Bays and Nancye Briesacher Bays Bethurem, was born on March 9, 1976 in Lebanon, Missouri. Eric grew up in Dallas, Texas and then moved to the family farm in Buckhorn, Missouri at the age 17. He began attending Laquey High School and graduated with the Class of 1996. Upon graduating from high school, Eric worked at the Independent Stave Company in Lebanon, Missouri. He then enjoyed many years hanging siding with his dad, Denny, for Kelley Construction out of Richland, Missouri. Eric spent eight years at the Chemical Defense Training Facility on Fort Leonard Wood, which is where Eric got his 15 seconds of fame when the Discovery Channel came and recorded his job as a TST (Training Support Team Specialist). He appeared on an episode of The World’s Most Deadliest Jobs which showed Eric in MOP gear, carrying in a toolbox filled with deadly nerve agents. His last few years, he worked with family at WF Concrete Construction. Eric was baptized at age five at the United Methodist Church in Independence, Missouri and affirmed his baptism at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas at the age of eleven. Eric also attended Waynesville United Methodist Church with his family. On August 18, 2001, Eric married the love of his life and best friend, Heather Y. Sartain. They were married at the Pulaski County/Fort Leonard Wood Shrine Club in Buckhorn, Missouri and shared seventeen years of marriage together and many wonderful memories. Out of this loving union, they were blessed with two beautiful children: Brandon and Brooklyn; they were his world. Eric spent every minute he could with his family and friends, especially enjoying outdoor activities. He loved deer hunting, floating, motorcrossing, working concrete, backroading and barbequing. He was an avid pool player and a member of the Pulaski County Pool League, always striving to be the best. Eric never missed an opportunity to play ball with his kids, nephew and three nieces; catch, soccer and basketball were some of their favorites. Eric also loved playing with his dogs; small dogs, big dogs, yappy ones and even those that did not listen to him at all. Eric did not know a stranger. If you were a friend, you were considered family and his door was always open. Eric passed away at 8:15 p.m. Tuesday, May 21, 2019. He will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all those who knew and loved him. Eric leaves to cherish his memory, his son: Brandon Eric Bays and daughter: Brooklyn Anne Bays and their mother: Heather Yvonne Bays (and Heather’s mother Julie Smith); as well as son: Caden Matthew Stewart and his mother: Sara Jeanette Stewart; parents: Nancye and Steve Bethurem and Yvonna Bays; siblings: John August Reutter and wife Lisa, Steven “Dusty” Joseph Bethurm, Jr. and wife Amy, Lynn Ray Bays and wife Kim, and Brittany Gayle Waters and husband Jake: four nephews: Jace Waters, Steven Michael Jones, Ben Alexander Bethurem and Connor Grey Bethurem; two nieces: Samantha June Waters and Arya Renee Bays; several aunts and uncles, cousins, other relatives and many treasured friends. Eric was preceded in death by his father: Dennis Eric Bays; grandparents: Warren and Beverly Bays, Rosa Faye Howard, Fred and Edna Briesacher and Waldo and Alice Bethurem; and three uncles: Donnie Nelson, Warren “Lynn” Bays and Gene Gassner. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 28, 2019 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Pastor Paul Wood officiating. The songs “Hymn of Promise” was sung by Becky Lercher, “Simple Man”, “Spirit in the Sky” were played and “Go Rest High on that Mountain” was sung by Pastor Wood. Serving as escorts were Lynn Bays, Jake Waters, Jimmy Mathis, Glenn Brown, Jake Blackburn and Jack Fenton. Serving as honorary escorts were Eric Johnson, Colby Schnetzler, Steven Bethure, Jr. “Dusty” and John Reutter. Burial followed in the Waynesville Memorial Park Cemetery of Waynesville. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Eric Bays and may be left at the funeral home.

Eric Andrew Bays

March 9, 1976 - May 21, 2019