Thomas Stephen Bayles

Thomas Stephen Bayles was born to Dudley and Pearl Bayles on December 6, 1953, in Tecumseh, Oklahoma. Tom worked for many years as a trim carpenter and cabinet maker and excelled in his profession. He worked for, and eventually retired from KC Millworks out of Oklahoma City. That company was very special to Thomas. He loved the people there and made many close, life long friends. 

After battling some health issues and retiring, Tom moved in with his brother’s family, Jack and Joann Bayles, in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Tom became a loving caregiver to his sister-in-law, Joann. He would make sure she had what she needed and his presence in the home provided constant assistance and companionship. The family came to depend on Tom for much of her care. He treated her more like she was his mother rather than a sister-in-law.

Friends and family were an important part of Tom’s life. Tom would attend weddings, funerals, birthday parties, volleyball games, etc. of extended family members or family friends. You would see just how important those things were to Tom, simply by seeing his room in the Bayles household. The first thing you would see before even entering his bedroom, is the old, beautiful painting of Jesus hanging on his wall. This painting hung in his Mother’s house for many years. The second thing you’ll notice is a framed photograph of his dear Mother, Pearl. Next to that is a framed embroidered Serenity Prayer given to him long ago, from his other brother’s family, Jim and Jean. It reads, “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” Words to live by. Also proudly displayed on his desk is a watercolor painting of a hammer with “Thomas'' painted on the handle. This was a gift from his great niece (Olivia), given to him on his most recent birthday. Between the photo of his mother and the Serenity Prayer is a small book of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America.

Tom was a kind, quiet man, with a love for family, motorcycles, fast cars and good music. And although he was not a church going person, he was a believer in Jesus and we look forward to seeing him on the other side in Glory!

Thomas is survived by: Jack and Joann Bayles, Stephen Anderson Bayles (Jenny), Stephanie Price (Brian), Shelly Wahl (Tony), Alisa Smith (Bradley), Karen Skoch (Jason), Todd Bayles (Logan), and many great nieces/nephews, extended family and dear friends.

The remaining funds in Tom’s estate will be donated to the Namwianga Christian Mission School in Zambia, Africa. If you would like to donate to the Mission, contact Jack at jack.bayles@okstate.edu.

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at Cooper Funeral Home Chapel in Tecumseh, Oklahoma on September 11, 2021 at 1:00 p.m, under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home.  Please join the celebration of Thomas's life through Cooper Funeral Home’s Facebook page for live streaming of the service.