Steven Lee Bayless was born on March 15, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois. In the 1950's, his family relocated to Texas, where they made their home and put down roots.

Steve passed away peacefully on February 20th, 2026. Preceded in death by his beloved parents, Louis J. Bayless and Mary Alheim Bayless; his sister, Sue Bayless Baker; and his devoted wife, Ann E. Bayless.

Steve is survived by his son, Wayne Moody, and Wayne's wife, Janna; his four cherished grandchildren—Joshua Moody (and wife Stephanie), Heather Carter (and husband Johnny), Jewel Davis (and husband Don), and Michael Moody (and fiancée Kalynn); and his eight great-grandchildren—Cora Grace, Logan, Max, LJ, Randy, Casey, Stevie, and Trey.

He is also survived by his brother, David Bayless (and wife Marcy); three sisters—Liz Haynes (and husband Miles), Rella Sanders, and Cindy Sparks (and husband Leroy); twelve nephews and nieces—Steven Bayless, Lisa Alexander, Jana Vallone, Jackie Knox, Jeff Haynes, Phillip Haynes, Bonnie Baker, Sara Vera, Lee Sanders, Juli Morman, Tyne Sparks, and Jennifer Sparks; seventeen great-nephews and fourteen great-nieces; and three great-great-nephews and one great-great-niece. Steve had a warm, outgoing spirit that drew people to him effortlessly; he truly never met a stranger. Over the years, he forged many lifelong friendships through his dedicated career at Shell Oil Company, his active involvement at First Baptist Church in Pasadena, and more recently, during his time at the Richard A. Anderson Texas State Veterans Home in Houston.

Steve proudly served his country as an honored veteran of the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He began his service as a signalman aboard the USS Frank E. Evans (DD-754) and later served with the Naval Inshore Undersea Warfare Group 1 (IUWG-1 WestPac Det Unit 2), where he was a member of a specialized harbor defense team stationed in Cam Ranh Bay, South Vietnam. His dedication and courage during this time exemplified his commitment to duty and country.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Steve's memory to the PTSD Foundation of America, specifically supporting Camp Hope—a program dedicated to providing hope, healing, and interim housing for combat veterans dealing with the invisible wounds of post-traumatic stress. Contributions can be directed through their website at ptsdusa.org or by contacting their office.