of Cotter, AR
July 4, 1918 - May 20, 2010
Mr. Rex S. Bayless, Sr., age 91, former Mayor of Cotter, passed away Thursday, May 20, 2010 at Baxter Regional Medical Center. Rex Bayless was born July 4, 1918 in Mountain Home to Paul and Josephine (Tate) Bayless. He was raised in Cotter and graduated from Cotter High School. Rex served 22 years in the US Army. He served during World War II and the Korean War before retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He married Lois Fontenot on September 5, 1943 in Yuma, Arizona.
After leaving the Army, Rex returned to Cotter where he served on the school board and city council, and was eventually president of the school board. In 1964 he was appointed Mayor of Cotter upon the death of previous Mayor Wallick. He served as Mayor from 1968 through 1987 and 1990 through 1994. He also donated the land for, and helped build the Wesley United Methodist Church. During his years of public service, Mr. Bayless was instrumental in locating the current schools and city hall sites, and in the construction of the Cotter Municipal Sewer System. Rex was active in the Arkansas Municipal League, serving as Vice President of District 3 in 1983/84. He also served on the Wolf House Committee. Rex is responsible for Cotter's nickname, Trout Capital of the USA. He was a member and served on the board of Wesley United Methodist Church.
Mr. Rex S. Bayless, Sr. is survived by 2 daughters: Jo Partee (Ernest) and Roberta King (Jack); 1 son: Rex Bayless, Jr. (Young Vest); 5 grandchildren: Paul Bayless (Angela), Jason Bayless (Kristi), Staci Montee (Jay), Jimmy Partee, and Lauren Moore (Allen); 6 great-grandchildren, brother-in-law Warren Hogan, 3 sisters-in-law, and special friends: Joan Metts, Cindy Floyd, and Carl Sisney. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, 3 sisters: Pauline, Nadine, Chestina, and an infant brother.
Visitation for Mr. Bayless will be Noon 9 PM Monday at Roller Funeral Home with the family receiving friends 6-8 PM. Funeral services will be 1:00 PM Tuesday at Wesley United Methodist Church with Rev. Sara Gotschall, officiating. Burial with military honors will be in Walnut Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Benny Magness, Jeff Magness, Phillip L. Rice, Phillip M. Rice, Peter Peitz, and Carl Sisney. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jack Burkhart, Ronnie Gregory, and Jackie Lee Gregory. Memorials may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church.
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11 Condolence(s)
Sierra Montee
Thursday, May 29, 2014
I miss you so much Great Grandpa! i love you so much!
--- Love your Great Grandaughter, Sierra Montee
LES AND LINDA KITCHELL
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
REX & FAMILY,
WERE SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED.
LES & LINDA KITCHELL
Richard
Monday, May 24, 2010
Rex and family. I am sorry to hear about your loss of Rex sr.. God bless each of you during this time of sorrow.
Jerry L. Honey
Sunday, May 23, 2010
We extend our sympathy in the loss of Rex. We worked together on several projects for Cotter. He was tireless in his efforts to do things he believed in. Jerry & Bettye Honey
Donald and Debbie Marler
Sunday, May 23, 2010
To Paul and Angela:
We are saddened for the loss of you grandpa, children need grandpas, and we are forever children in our grandparents eyes. May God comfort you as you mourn such a great loss.
Donald and Debbie Marler
David and Kay Purifoy
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Sorry to hear about your dad!! Your in our thoughts and prayers!!
David & Kay (Martin) Purifoy
Juli Ferguson
Saturday, May 22, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time!!! Mr. Bayless was a fine man and will be missed by all. On behalf of my family and myself we are so sorry for your loss.
Barbara (QUEEN) Shrake
Saturday, May 22, 2010
May the memories that you all hold in your head of your loved one, help the hurt that you feel in your heart.
My thoughts and prayer's are with you on the loss of your loved one.
Love to all and God be with you.
Barbara (Queen) Shrake
Billy Gene McNutt
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Rex & Family
Praying for God to comfort and strengther you in your time of losss.
Billy Gene
Chuck & Sharon Sugg
Friday, May 21, 2010
May your hearts be filled with pride for the accomplishments Rex attained in his very full life. He was such an excellent storyteller regarding the history of Cotter and the Tri-Lakes area. He was always the go to person if you had a question about the past and I know for one that I learned a lot of interesting facts from him during his last term of office as Mayor. We offer our most humble respects and wishes for God to be with you to lift up your heavy hearts.
Tom & Debbie Wren
Friday, May 21, 2010
Rex and family, our thought & prayers are with you at this time.