Theodore Robert Bayler Jr.

Theodore Robert Bayler Jr., 76 years, 5 months, and 10 days, of Varna, passed away peacefully at home on November 4, 2018.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Saturday November 17, 2018 in Varna United Methodist Church with Cathy Duffy conducting the services. Burial will follow in Magnolia Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-7:00 PM Friday in the church and additional visitation will be Saturday morning from 10:00 AM until time of services. The Hurst Funeral Home in Tonica is assisting the family with arrangements.

Ted was born in Spring Valley on May 25, 1942 to Theodore and Florence Louise (Maass) Bayler. He graduated from Tonica High School in 1960. He married Sherin Bonita Alleman, who was his grade school, middle school, and high school sweetheart, on September 3, 1961. He graduated from Illinois State University in 1964 with a degree in Mathematics and Physical Education. He received his Master’s in Education in 1972.

Ted began his teaching career in Athens, IL from 1964 to 1967, where he taught mathematics and coached junior varsity basketball, varsity baseball, track, and cross country. He moved to Tonica in 1967 where he taught mathematics and coached varsity basketball and baseball until 1974. He then moved Varna to be an Assistant Principal, part-time mathematics teacher, and athletic director at Mid-County Jr. and Sr. High School. In 1976, he became principal at Mid-County Jr. and Sr. High School until he retired in 1994.

Ted was an avid fisherman who enjoyed playing cards, games, and chess. He was a St. Louis Cardinals fan. He was also a devoted and loving grandfather. He was a member of Varna United Methodist Church where he served as Treasurer and Trustee. He was also President of the Lake Wildwood Association for 12 years. He was President of Tri-County Association and a member of the Illinois Principal Association. For the past few years, he was proprietor and general manager of Ted’s Quarter Store and the Deuce Club located at Bayler’s Rental outside the main gate at Lake Wildwood. 

Mr. Bayler is survived by his wife Sherin; four children Veronica (Jeff) Kafer, Michael (Beckie) Bayler, Trisha (Paul) LaDogna, and Jonathon (Donna) Bayler; eleven grandchildren Taryn, Matthew, Trevin, Daniel, Sebastian, Tori, Benjamin, Asher, Valen, Jeffrey, and Brady; and one sister Lucille Moore.

Donations may be directed to the Varna United Methodist Church or Peace Players International.

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