Thomas Edward "Tom" Bayles

HAMILTON – Thomas Edward Bayles, 79, of Hamilton passed away Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at Bee Hive Homes in Hamilton of natural causes.  He was born November 9, 1944 in Townsend, MT the son of Dr. R.G. Bayles and Florence Vivian Lauson Bayles.

Tom was raised and educated in Helena.  He enlisted into the U.S. Navy on Dec. 5, 1961 and spent the majority of his time in Guam.  Tom was honorably discharged as a Yeoman 2nd Class on Sep. 3, 1965.  After the service, he attended Carroll College and earned his bachelor's degree in accounting.

Tom became a Senior Auditor in the Pacific Region for the U.S. Customs Agency.  He then served as the Assistant Field Director of U.S. Customs and Border Protection for more than 30 years in San Francisco.  After his retirement, Tom moved to Hamilton to be close to his family.

Tom had many interests that included gardening, hiking, camping, skiing, photography, rock hounding and glass projects.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Dick and sister-in-law Jane Bayles; and his niece, Ava.  He is survived by his sister, Beverly DeVine and her husband Tom of Hamilton; brother, Bob Bayles and his wife Lorraine of Hamilton; brother, Raymond Bayles of Hot Springs; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Interment has already taken place at the Corvallis Cemetery.  A Celebration of Life with full Military Honors will be held Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 11:00 am at the Daly-Leach Chapel with a reception following in the funeral home’s community room.

Memorials may be made in Tom’s name to Bitterroot Health Hospice, 1200 Westwood Dr., Hamilton, MT  59840 or to the Linda Massa Youth Home, 196 Providence Way, Hamilton, MT  59840.

Tom was a kind, caring, gentle and compassionate son, brother, uncle and friend.  His bright smile and sunny disposition will always be with us.  He was so incredibly loved!

Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.