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Loyce “Blake” Bailey was born April 20, 1943, in Paris, Texas, the third child born to the late Robert Lee and Birdie Lee Bailey. On June 24, 2019, Loyce was called home to be with his Lord and Savior. He received the greatest grace of eternal peace, where there is no sadness or tears. Loyce had a great love for the Lord, which he developed at an early age when he accepted Christ as Lord and Savior He was a member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. Loyce attended the Topeka Public School System graduating from Topeka High School. There he earned the respect of his classmates and accolades for his leadership, academic and athletic achievements. He played on the Topeka High basketball and football teams and was named King of Courts. Because of his academic excellence and athletic ability, he earned a scholarship to Kansas University, where he played on the KU football team. After college he remained an avid KU fan. His KU caps and shirts that he sported left no doubt in anyone’s mind who his favorite team was. Loyce was a member of Platoon 3073 and served in the U.S. Marine Corps. While a Reservist, he was employed by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. Following his tenure at Goodyear, he worked as a Sergeant at the Topeka Correctional Facility. Although he had to maintain a strict and disciplined demeanor while at work, he had a soft and gentle spirit that he could not hide. Loyce loved to play cards and plan parties for his friends and family at his clubhouse. Everyone was always welcomed with a big smile and more food than you could eat. Loyce never forgot your birthday or missed sending you that special greeting card he meticulously selected that would speak directly to your heart. His handwritten notes were like those of a master poet, classic in style and grammar. Because he loved God, he has left an indelible mark in the hearts of all of us who have had the pleasure to be touched by his love. Loyce will be remembered by everyone for his love for others, his keen sense of style, boyish grin, and irresistible charm. In Loyce’s home going he leaves to cherish his memory: his loving daughters, Shauna N. Bailey-Busey, NC, and Ronniece (Timothy) Summers, GA; grandchildren, Chantz K. Hines and Isis N. Busey; brothers, Robert (Hazel) L. Bailey Jr., and Kenneth R. Bailey; sisters, Bobbie (Edward) Alexander, Paula (Bryan) Padgett, OKC, Ola (Lionel) L. Bailey-Drake, and Tamika Bailey; and a host of nieces and nephews, whom he encouraged and cherished, and other relatives and friends.
Loyce E. Bailey Loyce E. Bailey,76, passed away on Monday, June 24, 2019. Services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 29,2019, at Bowser Johnson Funeral Chapel. Visitation will be from 11:00 am until time of service.
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Ray H. Killam
What a great athlete. I enjoyed the opportunity to be a teammate with Loyce.
May he rest in peace.
Louis Mora
I met Loyce at East Topeka Jr. High school. I believe we became friends from our initial meeting and
it continued throughout. I will always remember him and my love for him will continue until I see him again...
Bill Reed
Loyce was a gentleman’s Gentleman. Quiet and unassuming with the spirit of a Warrior . Gods speed. RIP Marine Semper Fi.
Ray L. Germonprez
Like all those who knew Loyce, I was saddened to hear of his passing, but reassured knowing that his strong faith will take him to his Lord and Savior.
Loyce and I first met on the playground at Lafayette School in 1955, right after Brown v. Board. It was a new experience for both of us, but we were just kids and soon became good friends. At East Topeka Junior High we were chosen by Coach Dittemore to be "cage boys", the guys who handed out everyone's gym basket before gym class began. An honor to be sure, but also a chance to get into the gym early and shoot buckets all by ourselves. He always made it look so easy.
He and I always had debates over who had the best penmanship or the coolest clothes. We never really resolved those things. He was a good friend to me.
I'll never forget the time at Ripley Park after a ball game when he stood up for me and my brother, Jerry. We were being hassled by a group of older boys. Loyce saw what was going on and brought an end to the situation with a mere, "Leave 'em alone". He was a good friend.
We ran into each other occasionally at KU and it was fun to catch up. We went our separate ways after that, but were able to hook up a couple of times in Topeka over the years.
Thanks to whoever wrote about Loyce. He certainly could not hide that "soft and gentle spirit" and the "boyish grin" with his index finger slightly over his lips.
Rest well, my friend,
Ray Germonprez
Omaha, Nebraska
Margaret Munoz (Garcia)
So sorry to hear of Loyce Baileys passing. Always friendly and outgoing and that smile lit up a room. Good basketball player as I remember the days back in East Topeka Junior High. RIP Loyce
Kathlyn Hogue (Parker-Rodriguez)
I regret not haveing had the pleasure of getting to know him. He must have been a wonderful person. My sympathies go to all his friends and family who will surely miss him greatly.
Paul W. (P. J. ) Anderson
I have been remembering Loyce and how I saw him at THS. Not having participated in football or basketball, save the occasional Saturday "friendly" pickup games we had, I can only relate my views of Loyce as I watched from the sidelines..and what wonderful fiews they were and are. A true standout, I envied both his skill and his easy way to fit it to any situation both on the field of play and within our school hallways. I am saddened to hear of his passing and will remember him fondly.
Glenda K. Huntsman
Remembering Loyce transports many recolections into my 75 year old brain. One is how lucky I was to draw the number 4 out of the hat to deternine the seating of where you set in the Honor Pep white "T"....second only to being allowed into Honor Pep. It was my privilage to be the only none officer of Honor Pep in the front row (bottom of the "T"). So during basket ball season it was my joy to wach Loyce bless the game and all of us in the audience with his abundant athleticism, his integrity, his kind loving heart and his personable smile, from a front row seat !!! So nice to know he lived his life as successfully as he was in sports. Blessing all who knew him with his participation in his friendships, kindness, and love of God in his heart. Loyce RIP and thank you for all the wonderful memories of you at T..H.S.. Aloha 'oe A hui hou, Glenda Huntsman