Kay Bayouth (Sr.) Passed Away -- April 25, 2006 -- Collinsville, OK -- www.cvilleok.com

Kaline M. (Kay) Bayouth Sr., (92) passed away peacefully April 25, 2006 at his home in Collinsville. Kay was a life-long resident of Collinsville and one of twelve children born to Collinsville pioneer Solomon H. Bayouth. After the passing of his mother Aliha, he was raised by Solomon's second wife Salwa Andeel Bayouth. Kay was born August 16, 1913 in Aline, OK. Kay married Gloria Bayouth on June 7, 1948. They made their home in Collinsville where they owned and operated Bayouth's Department Store from 1946. Kay was an active and founding member of St. Antony's Orthodox Christian Church of Tulsa.

Kay attended Collinsville High School where he earned letters in football, basketball and track. He joined the 45th Army division in February 1941 and served his country (along with four of his brothers) during World War II until July 1945. He took part in three amphibious landings -- in Sicily, Salerno and Anzio in Italy. Kay was twice cited for outstanding work as a forward observer in the Field Artillery and received two Purple Heart awards. Kay was highly active and involved in community affairs. He served as a board member of the American Exchange Bank in Collinsville and served as Chairman of the Board for twelve of those years. Among his other Collinsville activities were memberships of: the Masonic Lodge, a 32nd Degree Mason where he received the 50 year member award of the Grand Lodge, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Lieutenant Governor of Kiwanis Club Division 15, and the Chamber of Commerce. He also served on the Tulsa County Fair Board, was a member of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, the American Red Cross, the Historical Society, the Akdar Shrine and the Honor Club of Rogers State College Foundation. He served 14 years on the Collinsville school board, was treasurer on the Tri-County Fair Board for 34 years, a member of the Collinsville Memorial Hospital board, a life member of the International Association of Business Men and was involved in the Future Farmers of America organization. The Collinsville Chamber of Commerce named him "Man of the Year" in 1979.

Kay is preceded in death by his wife Gloria (October 31, 2004), brothers William Bayouth and Jamil Bayouth, and sisters Louise Farris, Juanita Jorishie, and Inez Jones. He is survived by two sons: Kay M. Bayouth (Snook) and his wife Stacy and grandson Dylan Kaline of Collinsville, Douglas Bayouth of Tulsa and daughter Phyllis Bayouth Ahlerich, her husband Don and grandson J.P. Bayouth Guffey of Tulsa. Also brothers A.B. (Bus) Bayouth of Skiatook, Eddie Bayouth of Sapulpa, Emile Bayouth of Cleveland, and Tex Bayouth of Hominy; sisters Delores Bayouth Sallee of Collinsville, and JoAnn Bayouth Naifeh of Tulsa. He also leaves many in-laws, neices, and nephews, godchildren and cousins who will miss him dearly.

The family asks that memorial contributions be made to either St. Antony's Orthodox Christian Church, 2645 East 6th Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74104 or the Bayouth Family Educational Scholarship Fund, benefiting Collinsville High School Seniors. Send contributions to P.O. Box 550, Collinsville, Oklahoma 74021.

Trisagion Services will be Wednesday, April 26th at 7:00 P.M. at St. Antony's Orthodox Christian Church, 2645 East 6th Street, Tulsa. Funeral Services will be held Thursday April 27th, at 1:00 P.M at Saint Theresa's Catholic Church, Collinsville with internment following at Ridgelawn Cemetery.

A wonderful man has passed away. Kay was kind, generous, honost, loving, fair sincere and humble. He was a gentleman and a gentle man. The grace and love with which he lived his life are examples for us all. He has enriched our lives, and we will love and remember him always.