Lewis Valmer Bays

Lewis Valmer Bays went to be with our Father in Heaven on December 7, 2021 surrounded by loving family. Valmer was born on February 24, 1934 in Afton, Oklahoma to Cecile Hester Hall and William Columbus Bays.

As a young man, he met Mary Ann Schwartz and they were married on June 22, 1953. They were forever sweethearts for almost 65 years until Mary Ann’s death in 2018. Together they raised six children and lost one as a stillborn. He was a hard worker and a talented carpenter. All of his children were involved in his contracting business and he helped to build many houses in the Kansas City metropolitan area. An avid gardener, Valmer raised vegetables in a 5-acre plot and was proud of his fruit and nut trees. He was always looking for help to dig up potatoes and to can and eat his tomatoes. He collected many things including old tractors, pocket knives and singing Christmas Toys, a nod to his goofy side.

Valmer was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife Mary Ann; his three daughters Valerie Ann Bays, Dana Rose Bays, and Teresa Marie Cable; and six half siblings Kermit, Karis, Innes, Olive, Kenneth and Glen. He leaves behind many friends and is survived by family including sons Mark Bays, Donald Bays, Martin Bays (Teresa Bradley Bays), and Karl Bays (Brandy Bays); his older brother Bill Bays; as well as many nieces and nephews and cousins. Also sending him off are many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Valmer, thanks for being a present and supportive Dad for your children and a loving and patient husband to their Mom.

Funeral arrangements have been made with McGilley and George Funeral Home in Belton. Visitation will be at St. Sabina Catholic Church in Belton, Missouri on Friday, December 10, 2021 at 10 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM. Interment will be in the Belton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in memory of Valmer be made to St. Sabina Parish, 700 Trevis Ave., Belton, Missouri 64012.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcgilleygeorgebelton.com for the Bays family.