Wayne F. Bay

Wayne F. Bay

Wayne F. Bay, 81, Topeka, passed away Monday, February 3, 2014. Wayne fought a courageous battle against cancer and died at home in the loving care of his family and friends.

He was born March 18, 1932, in Spokane, Washington, the son of Forest and Alta Bay. He graduated from Kettle Falls High School, Kettle Falls, Washington. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War on the U.S.S. Kearsarge.

Wayne was employed by Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company for 42 years, retiring in 1995. He was a member of Matre Dei Catholic Parish and Topeka North Post # 400 of the American Legion.

Wayne married Grace Anne Morrissey on May 17, 1952, in Seattle, Washington.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years; three sons and a daughter: Michael Bay (Jackie) of St. Louis, MO, Steve Bay (Terry) of Southlake, TX, Randy Bay (Shelly) of Rockton, IL, and Lori Holthaus (Gary) of Topeka; five grandchildren: Adam Holthaus (Amber), Courtney Bay, Casey Bay, Andrea Bay, and Lindsey Holthaus.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, and two brothers. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. In the last three years of his life, one of his greatest joys was his godson, Pierson Blasche.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 2:00 PM, Friday, February 7, 2014, at Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church, 2014 NW 46th, Topeka. Topeka Post # 400 of the American Legion will conduct military honors at Prairie Home Cemetery. Wayne will lie in state after 3:00 PM, Thursday, at Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Avenue, where the family will receive friends from 7:00 to 8:00 PM. A rosary will be prayed at 6:00 PM, Thursday, at the funeral chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Midland Hospice Care, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606-2800.