San Antonio, TX - Dr. John Gilbert Bayless

Dr. John Gilbert Bayless, 91, of San Antonio, Texas, passed away April 4, 2026.

Born January 7, 1935, in Ponca City, Oklahoma, to Jack and Faye Bayless, John met his beloved wife, Betty Lou Ramsey, in high school. They married April 1, 1956, and shared a lifetime together raising five children: Becky, Jody, John, Jason, and James.

A U.S. Navy veteran, John later earned his doctorate in education from Oklahoma State University. He served as Head of the Physical Education Department at Oklahoma State and, after 28 years, continued teaching in San Antonio as an elementary physical education teacher for San Antonio ISD.

John was an avid OSU Cowboys fan and, with Betty, enjoyed time with their RV community, the Bluebonnets. Together, they fostered more than 200 children in Oklahoma and Texas and were honored as Texas Foster Parents of the Year.

He is survived by his five children; 14 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; his parents; and his brother, Jerry.

A joint service for John and Betty will be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, May 1, 2026 @9:45 am.

Instead of flowers, please donate to The Children's Shelter of San Antonio.