Robert (Bob) Burton Bayles Jr. passed away peacefully with his wife of 58 years and his family by his side on Sunday, April 2, 2017. Bob fought a valiant fight against prostate cancer.
Robert Burton Bayles Jr was born in Denver, Colorado on February 9, 1937 to Robert B. Bayles Sr and Leola Engelsgjerd Bayles. Bob, the eldest of 3 children, was later joined by brother Art, and sister Barbara. The Bayles family moved to Phoenix, Arizona where Bob worked in the family business as a wholesale florist. This is where his love of all fresh cut flowers began. Bob enjoyed having fresh flowers of any type in the house at all times. In 1955, Bob graduated from Phoenix Christian High School. Upon graduation, he attended the University of Arizona and then transferred to the University of New Mexico. In 1957, Bob moved to Blythe, CA with his parents and siblings. The move to Blythe would prove to be one of Bob’s best decisions ever, for in July, 1958 he met Doris Jordan, the love of his life. After one month of courting, Bob proposed marriage and 5 months later the two would be married on February 6, 1959 at the First Southern Baptist Church in Blythe, CA. From a beautiful union that lasted 58 years came four children, a daughter, Katherine Ann; a daughter, Sandra Lee; a son, Michael Robert; and a daughter, Julie Ann.
Bob had many successful business ventures in his 80 years of life. He was never afraid of a hard days work. Bob’s faith in Christ and strong belief in the Bible carried Bob when hard work couldn’t. He was a lifetime Gideon. As a teenager, he would load watermelons in his truck and then travel sometimes hundreds of miles to sell them. Bob would do this often with various types of produce. In 1959, Bob sold his 1956 Black T-Bird Convertible with Baby Blue Leather Interior to purchase equipment to start his first construction, gravel and paving company. With tears in her eyes, a pregnant, yet supportive, wife met him at the door of their home, Doris questioned Bob as to where their lovely car was. Bob simply stated, he had to support his family and promised he would buy her another T-Bird someday. As the gravel company grew, Bob and Doris with their growing family settled in Blythe, CA once again. In 1962, Desert Materials, a Redi-Mix Concrete and Asphalt Paving business was born. Bob, kept the promise he made in 1959 to his young bride, by buying Doris a Black Convertible T-Bird in February, 2017. Bob had a way of making things he wanted happen. In 1972, he decided he wanted his private pilot’s license and private planes. Bob simply enjoyed the freedom flying gave him and his family. Over time he owned two aircraft, a Cessna 182 and a Beechcraft Bonanza. He would use the planes for business trips, family trips, day trips and to fly to check on the farm in Beryl Junction, Utah where the family spent the majority of their summers.
In 1979 while on a family vacation, Bob came across a house in Lander, Wyoming that he wanted to make his family’s home. He promptly returned to Blythe, sold Desert Materials, and moved his wife and kids to Wyoming. He gave semi-retirement a try but it wasn’t for him. Bob purchased a ranch in Musselshell, MT and was an absentee owner, until 1985 when Doris and their youngest daughter moved to the ranch. The move to Musselshell fulfilled a long time dream Bob had of owning a ranch in Montana. In Musselshell, he honed his skills of the ranching and cattle business. Bob always had a love of the land God graced him with and tended to it with pride. In 1999, Bob and Doris sold the ranch and moved to Billings, MT to once again retire. Bob purchased commercial properties and a ranch in Hysham, MT while living in Billings. However, after 3 years, he decided the city life wasn’t for him. He once again purchased a ranch, this time in Boyes, MT and sold the commercial properties in 2001. He was as happy as a man could be. Bob and Doris have spent the winters in Salome, AZ on land they have owned and developed since 1974. He always had a special place in his heart for the desert. He remained in Boyes on the ranch until February, 2017 when he and Doris moved to Miles City, MT to receive Hospice Care. While in Miles City, Bob enjoyed watching Winter change to Spring, having a wonderful view of the Tongue River flowing, the sun shining through his window, and the many visitors of both family and friends.
Robert Burton Bayles Jr is preceded in death by his parents, Robert B Bayles, Sr and Leola Engelsgjerd Bayles. Bob is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Doris; their 4 children and their grandchildren, Kathy (Steve) Myers, and children Emily (Michael) Sherman, Heidi (Bryce) Vankooten, Carrie (Ethan) Brown and Roman Myers; Sandy (Bob) Heisser and children Cassie (Jamie “Fish”) Fishback, Chase (Katy) Luedtke and Chad Luedtke; Mike (Tami) Bayles and children Mikelle (Matt) Stoltenberg, Sierra Bayles, and Seth Bayles, Julie (Mitch) Frare and children Caleb Frare and Collin Frare; his brother, Art (Linda) Bayles, his sister, Barbara K Spring, and numerous great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Family will receive friends on Friday, April 7, 2017 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Bible Church in Broadus. Interment will follow at the Boyes Cemetery. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Broadus is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
In lieu of flowers, one may choose to give to the charity or organization of your choice in remembrance of Bob Bayles.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday April 7, 2017
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Broadus, Montana 59317
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday April 8, 2017
Faith Bible Church
Broadus, Montana 59317
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday April 7, 2017
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Broadus, Montana 59317
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday April 8, 2017
Faith Bible Church
Broadus, Montana 59317
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Kenny and Kelly Babb says
Doris and family,
We are saddened and sympathize with you as you mourn Bob’s passing. Bob was a true gentleman and left a great impact in our lives, as well as imprint in our hearts! Our hearts and prayers are with each of you.
Love,
Kenny, Kelly and family
Pam & Dave says
He is healed, and rejoicing in Heaven!!! Oh we will miss him!!! I told him several times how thankful we are that they chose to make their home in our community!!! Our lives are all the richer, and I am thankful to call you friends!!! Our love and prayers continue!!!
Bub and Carlene Gaskill says
Condolences to the Bayles family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Brett and Kimber says
Thinking of you all and remembering Bob at many sporting events supporting his grandkids – always with a smile and so proud! God Bless you and keep you through this time.
Prayers, Brett, Kimber, Chi, ~Kenna~, Cale, Kensi, Caty and Karlee
Friendship Villa says
It was an honor to get to know Bob. Thank you so much for allowing us to care for him at Friendship Villa! He has such a beautiful heart and a beautiful soul! He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with your family.
Steve and Barbra Pitman says
Our hearts go out to you, Doris, and family. We are so grateful that our paths ever crossed and we were able to get to know you, both as employers and as friends. Bob was the very essence of a gentleman, always kind and thoughtful and truly interested in others. We will always think of him with respect and admiration and thankfulness. Our years working with Bob and you were some of our best. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers as you mourn the loss of a truly wonderful man.
Merry and Armando DeAnda says
So Sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Keith Schell says
Dear Doris,
Deb & I were very sad to hear of Bob’s death. You and Bob have always been an inspiration and yes, Bob always had the nicest flowers in town hanging in the front of your Billings commercial office (where I worked for you). Bob had a way about him that was very different. A very successful businessman yes, but more than that he treated me with utmost respect (as an employer), with genuine integrity, humility and kindness (as a human being), that set him miles apart. I’ll never forget that.
Even though we lost touch somewhat, I just wanted to let you know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
With deepest sympathy,
Keith Schell & Family
Laura Lee Ullrich says
We are sending our prayers and deepest sympathy for all of the Bayles family. He was indeed a very fine fellow. I always enjoyed his visits to the icecream shop (often with a cute little toe headed boy as a sidekick!) He will surely be missed by all who were lucky enough to know him. Thankful that he is free from all pain and suffering and is with his Precious Jesus!
Mary Ellen Heisser says
Dear Doris,
I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. But know that during this Easter season, as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord, Bob is in heaven, where he is pain free. He’s probably already “wheeling and dealing”! My thoughts and prayers are with you.
LEN VENTLING says
DEAR DORIS, MIKE AND THE BAYLES FAMILY:
I was surprised and saddened to read about Bob going to be with the Lord. It was my privilege to meet the Bayles family when you had your ranch at Musselshell and then see you occasionally at your Boyes ranch. Bob was a true gentleman and had a great desire to have a ranch where he could enjoy working the land. I know you will have many wonderful memories of Bob. My thoughts are with you at this time and will be praying for God to comfort you.