Obituary: Henry Winston Bayless

Henry Winston Bayless, age 81, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, November 13, 2023. Henry, known to his family and friends as "Hank" or "Winston," was born on January 12, 1942, to Henry Porter Bayless and Lena Rivers Wiles in Cowan, TN. Hank was one of six children and grew up in Tennessee.

Hank joined the United States Air Force in 1959 and was stationed at Cannon Air Force Base when he met his wife, Dorothy. Hank married Dorothy (Jouett) in Clovis, NM on August 22, 1962. Three months into their marriage, Hank was restationed to Tampa, FL during the Cuban Missile Crisis. This began their journey of 17 military stations until Hank retired from military service in 1979.

During his 20 years in the Air Force, Hank received numerous commendations and medals. In 1961, he designed and manufactured a toolbox drawer liner to secure maintenance tools pre-flight, which saved lives by ensuring pilot and plane safety during flights. In 1967, Hank also designed a mockup F4C seat mobile training device that allowed the Air Force to train large groups of personnel on cockpit entry and seat safety training, Both of Hank's designs remain in use today. Hank retired as a Master Seargent, and he and Dorothy returned to Clovis to raise their three children, Danny, Becky, and Rachel.

Most people knew Hank as a Bail Bondsman and Bounty Hunter. Hank used his 30-year bail bonding career as a platform to mentor those struggling with addiction or reintegrating to his community after incarceration. He was always willing to drive someone to rehab or meet them for coffee on a second's notice. Hank always saw the good in people and delivered jokes with the best punch lines. Hank was a unique and unforgettable man who definitely lived a life worth writing about. He will be missed beyond measure.

Hank is survived by his wife; Dorothy Bayless of the home, children; Daniel Bayless and Rebeccah Duffield, both of Clovis, NM, and Rachel Bayless of Albuquerque, NM, sister; Mary Deverell of Covington, TN, 8 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and an infinite number of friends who considered him family. He is preceded in death by his parents; Henry Porter Bayless and Lena Rivers Wiles, two brothers, William Lucas, and Franklin Bayless; two sisters, Betty Ikard and Evelyn Williams; granddaughter; Stacy Jean Bayless, and son-in-law; Bradley Duffield.

Hank's family is honoring his final wishes, and services will not be held. Those who wish to share memories, thoughts, or funny stories of Hank can mail them to The Bayless Family at 600 Sandia Drive, Clovis, NM 88101. Hank's remains will be placed at the foot of his mother's grave, and a burial is scheduled for a later date in Huntington, TN. Memories received from family and friends will be shared with Hank's family in Tennessee.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Muffley Funeral Home, http://www.muffleyfuneralhome.com, (575) 762-4435.