Funeral services celebrating the life of Kevin Jack Bayles, 65, of West Monroe, Louisiana, will be held Friday, September 25, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at McClendon Baptist Church, with James Tarrance of North Hills Baptist Church officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Cemetery. Visitation will be held Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at McClendon Baptist Church.

Kevin was born on September 26, 1960, in Monroe, Louisiana, and entered the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 19, 2026, one week shy of his 66th birthday.

A generous friend and mentor to countless people, Kevin was often described as “one of a kind” and “the best of us.” He had a steady presence that made others feel at ease and rarely met a stranger. A natural encourager with the gift of connection, Kevin drew people in, made outsiders feel included, and reminded those around him that they mattered. He genuinely loved people and made sure they knew it. An avid storyteller, he brought to life memories of Dixie Youth championship games, neighborhood brawls and mischief, and Saturdays at Mawmaw and Pawpaw’s farm. He loved to get a laugh, and it was difficult not to smile around him.

A graduate of West Monroe High School and Louisiana Tech, Kevin worked as a real estate agent for nearly 30 years, and many of his clients became like family. A gifted teacher, he took many young agents under his wing and taught for years at Burk Baker School of Real Estate. He was dedicated to serving and helping others, much of it quietly and behind the scenes. He served on the Board of Northeast Louisiana Association of Realtors, including terms as treasurer, president-elect, and president, and various positions at the state level. He was passionate about his service as Chairman of the Board for the Southern Cities Economic Initiative (“SCEI”) for the City of Monroe Planning and Urban Development, an organization focused on supporting low- and moderate-income families seeking homeownership. He also spent twelve years as a weekly volunteer for United Way’s Read, Learn, Succeed program and was recognized last year with a reading nook at the new Lenwil Library named in his honor.

Kevin, a member of North Hills Baptist Church , was deeply involved in serving the Lord throughout his life. He raised his children in the house of the Lord and taught them – and his grandchildren- the truth of the Gospel from an early age. For many years, he served as a Sunday School teacher at McClendon Baptist and drove the church bus for elderly members of the congregation. He often took his children along on those rides, and the precious ladies adored their Kevin.

Kevin had a brilliant mind, a thirst for knowledge, and the gift of gab. He used those gifts as a radio announcer for both Cedar Creek and West Ouachita football and on his Real Estate Radio show, which aired every Friday morning up to the day he met Jesus. As his radio fans know, he shared real estate news mixed with politics, Kevin-style, and there was nothing quite like it. His children were often approached by people in the community who appreciated the show, and especially Kevin’s humor, never missing a Friday morning.

One thing was clear to everyone around him: Kevin’s faith and family were everything. He was married to the love of his life and best friend, Debbie Lawrence Bayles, for nearly 46 years. He was a devoted father to his three children and to many others who thought of him as a second dad, but his favorite name was “Pops.” Whether it was the cash, the candy, or his childlike charm, he was simply adored by his grandchildren. He lit up when he talked about his family and was proud of each of them simply because they were his. Pops was the center of his family and the number one supporter of those he loved.

A sports fanatic, Kevin spent years coaching Dixie Youth, WOLFBA football, and West Monroe Recreation basketball for his son. He would also often remind his family that he “dominated” church league basketball as a young man. When the grandkids came along, he was easy to find. He was a fixture at every baseball, football, basketball, and soccer game, and he rarely missed a dance recital or Christmas ballet. His dedication to his family was tangible and felt by every team the kids were part of; they were his family as well. His grandchildren will never doubt how much he loved them. Watching them grow up was his favorite pastime.

Kevin’s contagious joy and appreciation for the simple things in life made everything brighter for his family. He was giddy as he looked forward to his “favorite time of year,” from football season to the holidays. Most importantly, Kevin was a disciple of Christ. He knew he needed Jesus, boldly proclaimed his faith, and lived it throughout his life. Through trials and heartaches, he leaned on the ultimate Comforter and taught his family to do the same. His family takes comfort in knowing that his faith has now become sight and that he is joyfully in the presence of his Savior. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15.

Kevin is survived by his mother, Annie Ruth Bayles; his beloved wife, Debbie Lawrence Bayles; his sister, Kim Bayles Ellis and husband John; his children, Timothy Jack Bayles and wife Tori, Brandi Bayles Cole and husband David, and Misty Bayles Foster and husband Joseph; his grandchildren, Annie Cole, Cooper Cole, Benton Bayles, Atticus Brown, Briggs Bayles, Olivia Bayles, and Amelia Foster; his nephews, John Jordan Ellis and Robert Griffin Ellis, and their families; and a host of extended family and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Kevin was preceded in death by his father, Bobby Jack Bayles; his first grandson and “blonde bomber,” Bryce Edward Bayles; and his nephew, Casey Ellis, whom he now joins in eternal peace.

Serving as pallbearers are David Cole, Joseph Foster, Jordan Ellis, Griffin Ellis, Jeremy Roberts, Chad Grubbs, Dustin Posey, and Johnnye Wade. Honorary pallbearers are Bruce Davis, David Smith, Larry Tolar, Dathan Phillips, and John Ellis.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Kevin’s honor may be made to North Hills Baptist Church Mission Fund, 2208 Wellerman Rd., West Monroe, LA 71291, the Northeast Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home, 7200 Desiard St., Monroe, LA 71203, or United Way of Northeast Louisiana, Read.Learn.Succeed. Program, 1201 Hudson Lane, Monroe, LA 71201.