Edward Stephens (Steve) Bayless, Jr., a retired musician and educator, died peacefully on July 14, 2026, in Dallas, Texas, surrounded by his loving family and is now rejoicing and singing in the great choir in Heaven.

Steve was born in Gatesville, Texas, on May 7, 1939, to Edward Stephens and Lucile (Duff) Bayless. He spent his formative years following his father to pastorates in various Texas communities, including Waskom, Denison, and the Oak Cliff area of Dallas. Steve met his wife of 65 years, Marna Kay Shoemaker, while attending North Texas State College, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music.

Steve began his professional career with the Dallas Independent School District, teaching at Anson Jones Elementary School before becoming the assistant band director at Kimball High School, where he taught orchestra, jazz band, and music theory. He later joined the music faculty at Dallas Baptist College.

Together, Steve and Marna founded Collage Systems, and later Steve Bayless Musical Productions, organizing and producing orchestral arrangements and performances. Throughout this time, Steve continued to work nights as a performing bass player. His 200-year-old Italian double bass was recognized among the local music community for its rich and complex resonance and reverberation.

Steve served as choir director at Rosemont Christian Church in Dallas and later at First Presbyterian Church in Duncanville. An accomplished arranger, composer, and performer, his productions for the Oak Cliff Lions Club annual galas were legendary. He was also well-known for his incomparable orchestral arrangements. He has been described as the embodiment of an ideal teacher, a professional inspiration, a respected mentor, an organized planner, an encourager, and a lifelong friend.

In order to better support his growing family, Steve worked full-time in the banking industry by day while maintaining his musical endeavors at night and on the weekends. For many years, he was employed at Town North National Bank (TNNB) as a Vice President in charge of special projects and community outreach efforts. Later he travelled the state for the Texas Credit Union League (TCUL) promoting their products and services. Many friendships were developed during Steve’s years with TNNB and TCUL. He finished his banking career as Vice President of Business Development at Kraft America Credit Union, retiring in 2005.

After retiring from the banking industry and raising their four sons, Steve and Marna fostered a group of teenage girls at the Duncanville branch of the Presbyterian Children’s Home and Services.

Never one to sit still, Steve was either working on a big project or dreaming about the next. He was focused and determined about everything he did, meticulous in his projects and diligent about completing them on time. He could come up with creative solutions for almost any problem.

Steve loved his family deeply. His lessons of decency, compassion, generosity, and morality were taught by example. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, and enthusiastic grandfather and great-grandfather.

He is survived by his wife, Marna, sons Jerry Don Bayless (Julie), James Edward Bayless (Linda), Richard David Bayless (Miriam) and daughter-in-law Sheree (wife of the late Roy Laird Bayless), seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Roy Laird Bayless, and brother Guy Walter Bayless.

A memorial service will be held on July 22, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church Duncanville, 543 E. Freeman St., Duncanville, TX.