Thomas Bayless

April 10, 1927 - May 31, 2016

ELKHART - Thomas “Tom” Lee Bayless, 89, of Elkhart, passed away at 6:55 p.m. Tuesday, May 31, 2016, at Hubbard Hill Estates. He was born April 10, 1927, in South Bend, to the late John Clinton & Leona Bell (Watson) Bayless.

On August 24, 1968, in Elkhart, he married Donna Joyce Brackin. She preceded him in death on September 4, 2004, in South Bend. He was also preceded in death by a brother, John.

He is survived by his legal guardian, Rhoda Schrag of Goshen. There are no other immediate surviving relatives. Tom graduated in 1944 from Riley High School in South Bend. He served in the United States Army Signal Corps from 1944 to 1948. After his discharge from the Army he was hired by the Army as a photographer and was assigned to cover the Nuremberg Trials; Nazi war criminals were held accountable for their actions by Russian, French and U.S. Judges. He went on to receive his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Journalism from Indiana University. Tom worked as a reporter for the National Jewelers Magazine in Chicago, and also worked in the RV industry in advertising, photography and layouts. His camera and photos were given to the historical museum in Bristol.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 7, 2016, at Zimmerman-Inman Funeral Home in Osceola. Friends may call for one hour prior to the service. Pastors David Moser and Rhoda Schrag will preside. Cremation will follow the service with burial at a later date in Ash Grove Cemetery near Windsor, IL.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Elkhart County Humane Society. To send an online condolence, please visit www.zimmermaninman.com.

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