Joe Bret Bayless

Joe Bret Bayless passed away peacefully on September 10, 2026. Joe was born on November 18, 1932 in Hobart, Oklahoma to Jimmie and Gladys (McKibben) Bayless.

He graduated from Tulsa Central High School on May 26, 1950. He then graduated from Graceland College in 1952 and then completed his Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Kansas in 1954. Joe joined the Army in 1954 and was an Account Specialist with an honorable discharge in 1957. He also obtained his Masters in International Studies from American University in 1977.

He married Mary Rae Bingaman on May 16, 1964 and they had 2 children, Deborah Marie and Angela Kay.

Joe started working for Community of Christ in 1960 and retired as the Senior President of Seventy in 1998. During his work with the church he was assigned to Europe, Washington DC metro area, Gulf States Region, Africa, and Independence, MO. Because of this, he was able to travel the world. After retirement from the church, he worked as a para and substitute teacher for the Independence School District from 1998-2020 where he retired again at 87 years old. While working for the Independence School District, he was actively involved in Project Shine which helped spruce up local schools before the start of the school year.

He was a lifelong member of the Community of Christ. He also had many hobbies and interests that he was very passionate about. As a baby, he burned his right hand, causing him to have somewhat of a “claw”. This never stopped him from doing what he loved but it did likely push him into becoming left handed. He loved to play tennis and ping pong, where he won many awards, even some tournaments while representing the army. He passed on his passion of ping pong and tennis to both grandsons. Joe was a natural athlete and played basketball and football in college, which might seem surprising given how skinny he was. He also loved running and ran in as many races as he could. Because he continued running into his 70’s, he had less competition and was able to win more races. He participated in several MS 150 races, using his daughter Debbie’s 3 speed bike until his nephew loaned him his road bike. Joe was an avid runner, which his friends in Africa would tease him about because they did not understand why anyone would want to run for fun. One of his favorite sports was skiing, and he was thrilled when he turned 70 because he was able to use the ski lifts for free in Colorado.

While working in Africa, Joe dreamed of one day climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. Thanks to his frequent participation in Quintiles medical research studies, he earned the funds to realize this dream. He was able to climb to the peak of this mountain February 28-March 5, 1998. His adventures often left his wife worried, and picking up the pieces of his injuries.

Joe was also known (at least to his family) as a squirrel trapper and releaser, neighborhood yard waste gatherer for various yard projects, stamp collector, newspaper opinion writer, golf ball collector (then donating to local schools), trumpet player (would wake up people at church camps and reunions with his serenades), lederhosen wearer, and symphony supporter (taking grandchildren to concerts). He was also one of his grandchildren’s biggest fans at any event they would be involved with.

He was very focused on supporting and being involved in every community where he lived. Some highlights include visiting and playing basketball with young adults in a detention center in Germany, and also inviting them into the family home for holiday celebrations. He was a member of the Black Ministerial Alliance in Mobile, AL and was very passionate and actively engaged in civil rights efforts. Joe also became involved in Pride Events in the Kansas City Metro area.

Joe is survived by: his wife Mary Rae Bayless, his daughter Debbie Bayless (Rich Galbraith), daughter Angie Lippa (Richard), grandsons Ian Oiler (Belinda Sell), Corey Oiler (Tracy Yu), granddaughter Chelsea Lippa, grand dog Chloe, and grand cat Midnight. He is also survived by his sister Charlotte Nan Johnson, Carol Mengel (Ben), Benny Bingaman (Isobel), and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by: Jimmie and Gladys Bayless (parents), Larry Johnson (brother in law), Richard and Wanda Andersen (brother in law and sister in law), and many grand dogs.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday October 11 from 3:30-5:00 p.m. at the Lee’s Summit Community of Christ 1101 NE Independence Avenue, Lee’s Summit, MO 64086. Joe chose to donate his body to the University of Kansas Medical School.

Contributions are suggested to Outreach International.