Webster E. “Web” Bay

Webster E. “Web” Bay, a 99-year-old resident of Springfield, IL, died on Thursday, April 25, 2019.
At Mr. Bay’s request, no services will be held. Cremation will be accorded by Ft. Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home. The family will hold a life celebration gathering at a later date.
Mr. Bay was born on May 2, 1919 in Mercer County, the son of Michael Sr. and Marie Bay. He grew up with his three brothers, Ovid, Michael Jr. and Carroll, on the family farm three miles east of Trenton. The family raised purebred Spotted China hogs and held a number of very successful sales. They also exhibited regularly at the Grundy County and Iowa State fairs.
Mr. Bay’s favorite teacher at Trenton High School was the vocational agricultural teacher, Carl O. Roda, an outstanding teacher and friend to the Bay family. Mr. Bay earned a bachelor’s degree in science and agricultural journalism from the University of Missouri. He was named marshall of his senior graduation class. He also earned a master’s degree in adult education from the University of Illinois. He was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho agricultural fraternity, Sigma Delta Chi journalism fraternity and the honorary fraternities Alpha Zeta and Omicron Delta.
Mr. Bay began his career as a member of the University of Illinois Extension Service staff. He also served as manager of the Illinois State seed testing laboratory and state inspection staff. He also served as manager of the Illinois State Energy Agricultural outreach program for over 15 years. Prior to his retirement in 1995, he was named manager of both the agricultural energy outreach and contractual programs for Illinois Department of Energy and Natural Resources.
Mr. Bay served eight years on the Sangamon County Fair Bureau Board and as a board member of several agricultural associations. He received the Superior Service Award from the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
He was married on June 17, 1972 to Bernice L. Lundahl of Madrid, IA. He was a member of the Westminister Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Bay was an avid photographer. He and his wife made many interesting trips and have enjoyed spending winters in Florida for many years.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his brother, Carroll and family of LaGrange, IL and the families of his late brothers, Ovid of Fort Collins, CO and Michael Jr. of San Diego, CA.