Lowell Bays, 92

Lowell Elmo “Babe” Bays, age 92, was born April 30, 1920, in Portsmouth, Ohio, to Lawrence and Harriett (McBrayer) Bays. He died on Oct. 4, 2012, with his family at his side, at Hill View Retirement Center in Portsmouth, Ohio.

Elmo graduated from Wheelersburg High School in 1938 and was retired from the Norfolk and Southern Railroad after 37 years. He was also a member of Bethel United Methodist Church. He and his wife Jean Vaughters Bays were married on Feb. 8, 1945, in Lexington, Ky., and lived most of their lives in Friendship, Ohio.

Elmo was preceded in death by his daughters, Cynthia and Marty Bays; and by his brothers, Harley, Kenneth, and Doug Bays. He is survived by his wife, Jean; their daughter, Karen Vaughters Vukin and her husband David Vukin, M.D. of Kettering, Ohio; also by Drs. Matt and Beth Vukin, Joseph Vukin, and Anna Vukin; sisters Janet Risner, and Helen Archy; and many nieces and nephews.

Our family would like to express its gratitude to George Esham, M.D., and to the staff of Hill View and Hospice of SOMC for their loving care. For their many visits to Elmo, we also thank Kara Keeney; her daughters, Jordan and Abby McKittrick; Tim and Bonnie Raines, and Laura McCoy.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012, at Friendship Cemetery. There will be no visitation. A luncheon will then be held from noon to 2 p.m. in the Forest Room at Hill View Retirement Center, 1610 28th St., Portsmouth. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hill View Rotunda Activity Room Fund, 1610 28th St., Portsmouth, Ohio 45662.

We will remember Elmo as a gentle person who was always willing to extend his kindness and help to others.

Arrangements are under the direction of F.C. Daehler Mortuary Company in Portsmouth.