Bernard

Bays

Bernard K. Bays (1926-2023)

Bernard K. Bays, 97, passed away at home in Sylvania, Ohio on December 11, 2023. He was born on March 22, 1926, in Yawkey, West Virginia to Wetzel and Bessie Bays.   Bernard was the fourth of eight children, attending Duval High School before the call of World War II took him to Sheepshead Bay in New York during the spring of 1943.  He was in training for duties in the U.S. Merchant Marine until his first shipboard job in July 1943.  He served in various roles on America's Liberty Ships that transported war supplies to the European front, ending his time as a line officer on the Sir Walter Raleigh in 1946.  At this time, he transitioned to commercial ocean shipping, joining the Masters, Mates & Pilots Union.

Bernard sailed the high seas for over 40 years, visiting ports on every continent and 69 countries in total.  It was hard to mention a country to him and not get a detailed story, with a side of opinion, about the place.  His final assignment was working for George Steinbrenner's ship, the S.S. Marine Electric, transporting coal along the east coast of the U.S.A.

Bernard was a generous man in many regards, especially to family members who all received a unique gift or gifts from faraway lands.

Following retirement, he settled in Toledo, OH living with his younger sister Louise.  He cooked, gardened, and read books like they were on fire.  No visitor to their home would leave without an offering of a slice of "award winning" pie that he made in the early morning hours.  Bernard supported Louise however he could, including the donation of his "bourbon balls" to the Zonta Club Christmas auction each year.

Following Louise's retirement in 1997, they become Arizona "Snowbirds" each winter in Tucson….joining sister Betty and her husband Leo at the Rincon Valley RV Resort.

Bernard was preceded in death by his parents Lewis Wetzel Bays and Bessie Scraggs Bays; brothers Benny, Basil, and Billy; and sisters Hazel Bays Whitten and Betty Bays Pack.

He is survived by his brother Jack and sister Louise Bays Fought.

There will be a family graveside service at the Bays cemetery in Yawkey, WVa.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Foth-Dorfmeyer Mortuary., Toledo, OH