George Vincent, 77, born in Colby, Ks on March 7, 1920 to Eunice and John Bayles , died June 15, 1997 at Integris Baptist Hospital. When he was 2 years old, George moved with his parents and 2 brothers to Balmorhea, Tx. His father was an agronomist sent by Texas A&M to establish the Texas A&M Experimental Station. His family were active members of the Methodist Church, edited the local newspaper, formed the Bayles Family Dance Band and performed on the local radio station. George graduated from high school in Balmorhea and followed his brothers to Texas Tech. He joined the Air Force in 1941 and was a top gunner on a B-25 airplane. He participated in 46 missions in the South Pacific which included being shot down over Borneo. After his discharge, he returned to Texas Tech. In May 1946, George moved to Bethany, Ok to work that summer for his uncle. There he met Virjeane Garrett when she was 16 and he was 26. George decided not to return to Texas. He and Virjeane were married May 30, 1948. 3 daughters were born to their family, Georgiana Bayles McDaniel, Melanie Bayles and Paige Bayles Black. Mr. Bayles was in construction management and built buildings on the campuses of the University of Okla., Okla. State University and Okla. City University, the Okla. Med. Research Bldg., and Oak Tree Family Club & Tennis facilities. He was construction manager for 12 years for the Alan Bradley Co. which transferred their company to the new factory built in Shawnee. His greatest gift from his Heavenly Father was the art of parenting both his children and grandchildren. A man of exceptional integrity, his relationship with God was expressed through the giving of himself to his family, grandchildren, and friends. He quietly gave to many people in need. His strength as a gentle man and a gentleman was an example to all who knew him. George endured 8 years of critical illness with a quiet smile and an unfailing faith in the perfection of God's will in his life.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Georgiana Bayles McDaniel; grandson; parents; and his brother, Lawrence.

George is survived by his wife, Virjeane Garrett Bayles ; daughters, Melanie Bayles of Bethany, Paige Bayles Black, OKC; precious grandchildren, Jessica and Tanner Black; his sister, Rut h Burchard and husband Frank, Yukon, Ok; brother, John J. Bayles and wife Penny, Oxnard, Ca; brother-in-law, Bob Garrett and wife Mary, Highland Hills, Tx; sisters-in-law, Martha Bayles , Amarillo, Tx and Ruthie Garrett, Harmon, Ok; and many loved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A special tribute to Dr. James Hampton and Judy Rogers for their superior and compassionate care and to the caregivers on the 7th Oncology Floor and the 6th floor "Mirth." Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 17 , Bethany First Church of the Nazarene, where Mr. Bayles had taught second grade Sunday School classes.

Interment will be at Bethany Cemetery. "As for me and for my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:13.
 

Virjeane Garrett Bayles was born on May 2, 1930 in Jones County, TX to C. Walter and Zonabel (Neely) Garrett. Trusting in God's perfect will, her faith became sight on March 30, 2009. Virjeane moved to Bethany, OK at the age of nine and attended Bethany Public Schools. When she was sixteen, Virjeane met a returning WWII veteran, George Bayles, of Balmorhea, TX. Virjeane and George were married on May 30, 1948 after her freshman year at Bethany Nazarene College, now Southern Nazarene University. By the time she was 25, they had three daughters, and she had completed her college degree. She later did graduate work at Oklahoma City University. Virjeane followed her mother's footsteps and became a teacher at Bethany High School, where she taught Speech, Drama and tenth grade English. Though her classes were structured and disciplined, she was always a fun and favorite teacher. She loved teaching. Students gained knowledge as well as confidence in her classes. Shakespeare was understood. Every student received her encouragement, whether it was the gifted achiever or the one struggling academically or socially. Virjeane directed school plays, co-sponsored Pep Club, and one year was selected "Oklahoma County Teacher of the Year." She later served four years as Secretary of Oklahoma County Retired Educators Association. Virjeane was a member of Bethany First Church of the Nazarene, where she sang in the choir for over 40 years, volunteered with the Women's Prison Ministry and served on the church board.

Virjeane was preceded in death by her parents; husband George (1997); oldest daughter, Georgiana Bayles McDaniel; and infant grandson (1974); brothers, Charles W. Garrett II and Bob Garrett. She is survived by daughters, Melanie Cain and husband Robert of Bethany, Paige Black and husband Steve of OKC; granddaughter, Jessica Todd and husband Jake of Piedmont; and grandson, Tanner Black of OKC. The circle of life continues with a new great-grandson, Jaxon Todd. May those who come behind us find us faithful. The family wishes to thank the staff at Bellevue Nursing Center, Autumn Bridge Hospice and Dr. Dean Brown for their tender and compassionate hearts and care. Services will be Wed., April 1, 2:00pm at Bethany First Church of the Nazarene.

Interment in Bethany Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Bethany First Church of the Nazarene Compassionate Care Ministry or charity of choice.

... Complied and transcribed by Marti Graham, 2009.