John Franklin Bays, 69, of Elnora, Indiana, passed away peacefully, on Sunday, January 26, 2020 at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville. He was born on May 9, 1950 in Washington, Indiana to Wayne Herbert and Violet Eleanor (Isaac) Bays.

John was self-employed as a Dairy Milk Hauler through Graham Cheese before retiring in 1998.  He loved fishing, hunting, gardening, cooking and he especially loved spending time with his family.

Family left to cherish the memory of John includes: one son, John (Marla) Wesley Bays of Plainville; one daughter, Amanda (Andrew) Hurst of Elnora; eleven grandchildren, Kaylynn, Kynslee, Madisyn, Maesyn, Parker, Hunter, Leeland, Dayson, Sara, Whitney and Lauren; loving companion, Lori Shake of Princeton; one brother, Perry Bays of Elnora; two sisters, Lou Kibler of York, PA and Bonnie Wehmeier of Decker; and several nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by: his parents; brother, Kenny Bays; sisters, Nancy Pauline Bays, Brenda Bays and Carol Vertrees.

A funeral service honoring John's life will be at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at Meng Family Funeral Home in Odon with Elder Leonard Council officiating. John will be laid to rest in Fairview Cemetery in Elnora.

Family and friends may call from 10:00 AM until time of the service at 1:00 PM on Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude Children's Hospital or Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

All arrangements have been entrusted to Meng Family Funeral Home in Odon. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.mengfuneralhome.com.