Roger D. Bayes, 62, of Fort Wayne, passed away Friday evening, Feb. 6, 2026, at Stillwater Hospice Home in Fort Wayne.
He was born May 17, 1963, in Ironton, Ohio to Henry L. Bayes and Gracie (Gibson) Fry and graduated from Bluffton High School with the class of 1982.
Roger worked as a truck driver for most of his working career. His orneriness and loud laugh will forever be remembered by his family and friends with a smile! He loved his longtime companion and dog, Roxie, who Roger left the hospital to find a good home for, before his final medical procedure.
Roger married Sharon K. (Cates) Bayes on Sept. 10, 1999, and were married for 20 years, before she preceded him in death Jan. 12, 2019.
Survivors include six siblings, Jerry Bayes of Fort Wayne, Brenda K. Bayes of Fort Wayne, Ronnie Bayes, David Bayes and Arlene Copeland, all of Florida and Charlene Fry of Fort Wayne; along with many nieces and nephews.
Roger is preceded in death by his wife Sharon; and siblings, Michael Bayes, Linda Bayes, Della Bayes and John Bayes.
A private family service will take place with Jeff Lemler officiating. Burial will take place in the Bayes family plot in Fairview Cemetery, next to Sharon.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Lemler family of Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton.
Friends can send online condolences to the Bayes family at www.thomarich.com.