Gail Marie Nix

Gail Marie (Bayless), a longtime resident of Shawnee, Oklahoma, passed away on February 18, 2024 in Norman, Oklahoma with her family by her side. She was born at the family home in Shawnee on May 10, 1934 to Robert and Mary (Schell) Bayless.

She attended Shawnee Schools graduating with the class of 1952. She met and married the love of her life, Harold Nix on October 25, 1952 in Porterville, California. To this union 2 children were born, son, Kelly Steve Nix and daughter, Kimberly Sue Baker. Gail and Harold lived for 10 months in California right after marrying, before moving to Shawnee and making it their home for over 70 years. In 2021 they moved Grace Skilled Nursing in Norman, Oklahoma. Gail especially appreciated and loved her long-time best friend Rita Buford, who was a long-time friend of the family and god mother to Gail and Harold’s children.

Gail worked at the downtown Shawnee Kress Store from 1951 to 1961. She was also an election worker for many years and a seasonal temp at OBU. She and her husband enjoyed watching football. They also enjoyed traveling. Among the many places they traveled to where Creede, Colorado, Branson, Missouri and Vicksburg, Mississippi. Gail was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church in Shawnee where she enjoyed fellowship and the Wesley’s ladies craft group, which held annual craft fairs to raise funds for the church.

For many years Gail was a Den Mother to her son Kelly’s Boy Scout troop. She won many awards during her tenure, including District Award Merit and the Silver Beaver Award. Later, Gail would receive recognition for her volunteer work in the Commemorative Air Force Unit out of Wiley Post Airport in Oklahoma City, in support of her husband who was a member and avid airplane enthusiast. She enjoyed sewing, craft-making and baking. She will be remembered for her love of cats.

Gail was proceeded in death by her son, Kelly Steve Nix; parents; and her sister and brother.

Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband, Harold Nix; daughter, Kim and husband Jeff Baker; daughter-in-law, Sherri Nix and grandchildren, Madison Nix, Amber Baker and Garrett Baker.

A graveside service for Gail will be held Friday, February 23, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Tecumseh Cemetery, 18800 S Gordon Cooper Dr, Shawnee, OK 74801.