Donald Bays, Jr.

Donald Bays, Jr., 86, of Zionsville, passed away on December 23, 2015 at St.Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis. He was born on March 15, 1929 in GreeneCounty, Indiana, to Donald and Mary (Arthur) Bays, Sr. His brothers, Bill andJim Bays, preceded him in death.

Mr. Bays graduated from Bloomfield High Schoolin 1948. Among family and friends in Greene County, he was known as “Abe”Bays. He began to play semi-pro baseball while still in high school andwas a state finalist in track. After graduation, he became a professionalbaseball player, as a shortstop. Two seasons later, accepted aninvitation to play professionally for the House of David Baseball Club. TheHouse of David was a baseball-version precursor to the Harlem Globetrottersstyle of play that entertained fans as it played local teams around thecountry. Later, Mr. Bays was a Little League coach for 17 years.

On November 17, 1950, Mr. Bays enlisted inthe United States Air Force, where he rose to the position of staffsergeant. While serving as a tailgunner at Lowry Air Base, Mr. Bays wasthe sole survivor of a plane crash that occurred during a trainingmission. He also served in Thule Greenland, which led to his admission tothe Knights of the Blue Nose, an organization limited to airmen who serve foran entire winter above the arctic circle.

He married Ruby Jean Lind on September 23,1956, a marriage that lasted more than 50 years until the love of his lifepassed away in the fall of 2009. Mr. Bays worked in data processing inthe 1960’s and was part of the team that created the first electronic databasefor Indiana’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles. In 1972, he received aDistinguished Hoosier Award from Gov. Edgar D. Whitcomb. Mr. Bays was astrong supporter for the Republican Party and influential in many state-wideelections. As Chief Deputy Commissioner for the BMV, Mr. Bays worked withlicense branches in all 92 Indiana counties. In 1981, Gov. Otis R. Bowenbestowed a Sagamore of the Wabash Award on Mr. Bays. Mr. Bays retiredfrom the state government in 1989. Following retirement, he was quiteactive in the American Legion of Zionsville, Post 79, where he served as theJudge Advocate.

Mr. Bays is survived by three children andeight grandchildren: Donna J. Bays, J.D. and her children Jennifer Bays Beinart, JD, and Steven Bays Beinartand his wife, Jessica Beinart; Ronald A. Bays, M.D., his wife Sussan Bays, M.D. and their children Iman, Cameron andBraydon Bays; and Thomas B. Bays, J.D., his wife Lisa Bays, and their children Chris, Katie, and LucyBays. Mr. Bays was a member of the Zionsville UnitedMethodist Church.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. onWednesday, December 30, 2015 at the Zionsville United Methodist Church, 9644Whitestown Road, Zionsville. Burial will follow at Lincoln Memory Gardens.Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday December 29, 2015 at theZionsville United Methodist Church, followed by an American Legion service.Memorial contributions may be made to American Legion Post 79, 9950 E. 600S,Zionsville, IN 46077 or the Zionsville United Methodist Church. Condolencesand memories may be shared online at: fbtributes.com/obituary.