BAYS Kenneth Bruce Bays, age 76, died Monday, October 20, 2008, at his home in Orient, OH. Although Kenny's early life was meager at best, he embraced the virtues of hard work, honesty and self sacrifice. In spite of the fact that he could not afford formal education, he schooled himself diligently in all areas of study. He served his country in the United States Air force as a transmitter engineer on the German/Russian border during the Korean conflict. After returning home he was employed by General Motors Corporation in Anderson, IN. As an engineer, Kenny worked with teams who would design multiple patent- awarded electrical components. But Kenny's desire to serve once again came to the forefront as he ran for the Indiana House of Representatives. In that role, he fought to protect the rights of the unborn; end the unethical influence of special interest groups; and abolish government corruption. After retiring from public service, Kenny was employed by General Motors' In! dustry Government Relations where he lead the fight for the landmark, life-saving mandatory seat belt laws. As a result of his hard work and dedication he was inducted into both the Kentucky Colonels and the Ohio Commodores. Although Kenny's accomplishments are many and great, he would wish it known that nothing was greater than his love for his family, although his love of golf ran a close second. He is preceded in death by his parents Byrd and Cleo Bays, and infant daughter Karen Kay Bays. Kenny is survived by his wife of 59 years, Barbara; children, Bradley Bays, Brian (Carrie) Bays, Amy (Jim) Ferguson, Jenny (Randy) Toombs, and Bruce (Jeanette) Bays; former daughters-in-law, Jessie Bays and Susie Parsons; 15 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; brothers, Paul and Richard Bays; and special caregiver, Debra Sparks. Visitation will be held from 4-7pm on Friday, October 24, 2008, at the SCHOEDINGER-NORRIS CHAPEL, 3920 Broadway, Grove City, OH. Funeral service will be held ! at 10am, Saturday, October 25, 2008, at Southwest Grace Brethren Churc h, 3989 Neff Rd., Grove City. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Kenny's name to your local Humane Society (because of his great love of animals, especially his cats) or WEEC Christian Radio, Springfield, OH. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to sign Kenny's on-line guest book. Sign the online guestbook at www.dispatch.com/obituaries Published in The Columbus Dispatch on 10/23/2008