Samuel Gene Bayless, 80, of rural Hutchinson, died at his home Sunday, Sept. 9, 2012, with his son at his side after a yearlong battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his wife, daughter, and two brothers, Kenny and Chub Bayless.

Graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012, at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery and Mausoleum, Hutchinson. Gene was born on Feb. 19, 1932, in La Russell, Missouri. He was the second of four sons born to Kie and Irene Bayless.

On Sept. 2, 1950, he married Alta Fern Smith in Belton, Texas. That union produced two children: Steve, born in 1951, and Marsha, born in 1953. In 1949, he joined the Kansas National Guard and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. He was assigned to a reconnaissance unit and fought in many missions behind enemy lines. After serving his country, he began a lifelong passion in heavy equipment and construction work. His employment in pipeline construction took him to all lower 48 states and seven foreign countries. He owned his own pipeline construction company for several years.

He later worked for Sheehan Construction of Tulsa, Okla., working in a number of supervisory positions, including teaching pipeline safety. He was a member of Operating Engineers Local 101. His other passion was working as a cattle rancher and horseman. His skills were well known throughout the area. He had a keen eye for quality horses and owned a number of horses of great value over the years. He was a member of AQHA. He was a regular fixture at livestock auctions in Hutchinson and Salina, Kan. Gene ran a cow/calf operation, at times managing as many as 250 momma cows throughout the winter.

Survivors include: his son, Steve and daughter-in-law, Vicki; brother, Charles Bayless; three grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; six nieces and three nephews; and longtime friend, Tina Williams. Memorials may be made to Hospice Care of Kansas, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N Main, Hutchinson KS 67501.