The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO

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December 4, 2012

Ron Bay

The Joplin Globe

CARTHAGE, MO —

Ron Bay was born July 15, 1934, in Pomona, Mo., to Timon Earl Bay and Nina Anna (Pease) Bay. Ron spent his growing up years in Cabool, Mo., where he met the love of his life, Maxine Bell. They married June 18, 1955.

Ron and Maxine moved to California shortly after, where they lived for 12 years while raising a family. They moved back to Missouri in 1967, and have lived in Carthage, Mo. ever since.

Ron was a heavy equipment hauler for 11 years in California. He was proud to have hauled part of the rockets headed for space to Cape Canaveral in Florida. After coming back to Missouri, he drove for Holsum Bread Company for a number of years. He also owned and drove a dump truck for a period of time. Later he drove a route for Party Steak.

In 1982, Ron opened Bay's Place, a popular lunch destination in Carthage, for four years. After the restaurant closed he went back to trucking until he had a heart attack. He then decided to go into real estate and was very proud when he studied and passed the exam and became a realtor. He retired in 2012.

Ron was a family man, first and foremost. He was his kids' biggest supporter. He could always be heard in the stands of any of his children's sporting events. His kids, the fans, the ref, the coaches, could all hear what he thought about the action on the field or tennis court. He loved Carthage sports and was a member of the Carthage Booster Club. One of the sports he loved best was golf, which he began playing when he was in his 50s. He enjoyed playing as often as he could with all of his buddies.

Ron was probably best known for his sense of humor. He may have passed this ornery trait on to his children. They deny it though. Ron's family meant everything to him. And he did not differentiate between his own kids and his children's spouses. They were all his kids. And his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his pride and joy.

The most important thing in Ron's life, besides his family, was that he was baptized into Jesus when he was 47 years old. His Lord and his church family were a very important part of his life.

But the one person he cherished most was his wife, Maxine. He once said that he couldn't go on if she wasn't by his side. They were married 57 years.

Ron is survived by his wife, Maxine; his daughter, Vicki Elliff and her husband, Mark, of Carthage; son, Ron Bay and his wife, Julie, of Manhattan, Ill.; son, Tim Bay and his wife, Sherri, of Cabool; daughter, Kathy Marting and her husband, Bill, of Lee's Summit, Mo.; grandchildren, Ron Bay, Christopher Bay, Jennifer Elliff, Tymon Bay, Melanie Bay, Matthew Marting, Tim Marting and Taylor Bay; great-grandchildren, Shay, Brooke, Jake and Cara; sister, Janice Dishman; brother, Vernon Bay; along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Wallin Bay; his grandson, Jonathan Elliff; and great-grandson, Tanner Bay.

Funeral services will be Thursday, Dec. 6, at 10 a.m. at First Christian Church, Carthage. The family will receive visitors at Knell Mortuary Wednesday evening, Dec. 5, from 6 to 7 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church for Missions in lieu of flowers.

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