Noel Melvin Bayley, 71, of Lerna, Illinois passed away Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon, Illinois.  Noel was born on March 10, 1950, in Parkersburg, Illinois the son on Theodore and Iris (Nees) Bayley.

He is survived by his children, Kathy Bayley and Partner Christina Panici of Mahomet, Illinois, Clayton Bayley of Janesville, Illinois, and Adam (Kelsey) Mock of Mattoon, Illinois; four grandchildren, Isabella Bayley, Elizabeth Titus, Aria Mock, and Pierson Mock; and sister Marilyn Bayley.

He was preceded in death by his parents and life partner, Jackie Mock.

Noel was a high school graduate from East Richland High School and a college graduate from Eastern Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree. He retired from Mattoon Community Unit School District #2 where he was a school bus mechanic. Noel was also a member of the Lerna Lions Club.

Noel had a love for antique tractors and for building period era muzzle-loader guns. His other hobbies included gardening, hunting, and writing, as well as reading.  Most importantly, he enjoyed time with his family.  He will be dearly missed by those who knew him.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston with Pastor Matthew Philbrick officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until service time on Tuesday. A graveside service will be held at 2:30 PM in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Parkersburg, Illinois.

Adams Funeral Chapel, Charleston, IL