Giles Bax

Giles A. Bax, age 84, of St. Petersburg, Fla., died on Saturday, December 15, 2018. Our dear husband, brother, father, grandfather and great- grandfather passed peacefully to rest on December 15, 2018. He valiantly fought pancreatic cancer for 2 years as he wanted to wake up each morning to live another day. Born near St. Elizabeth, Mo., on May 11, 1934 to August and Rosa Bax, he grew up on the farm working alongside his parents and brother until he joined the Missouri National Guard when he was 17. He was a proud Army officer for 33 years, loving his military assignment to the Nike Hercules Surface to Air Missile site, Pentagon, US Army War College, and retiring as a Colonel in 1984 at the Readiness Command at MacDill Air Force Base. His military career was long and successful with military decorations including the Defense Superior Service Medal and Legion of Merit. He was a wonderful husband and father and friend to many. He met his devoted wife of 63 years, Patricia, at age 17 at a church dance a few miles from where they were both born. Giles was hard working, devoted, frugal, and never late for anything. His family depended on his solid advice and he was proud to give it. His handsome and ready smile will be missed by many. He was a special man who will live on in his family's hearts and in everyone who cherishes his memory. Giles is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia; his cherished children, Brenda (John) Lake of Park City, Utah, Rhonda (Phil Nielsen) Bax of Coldspring, Texas, and Keith (Michelle) Bax of San Antonio, Texas; three adored granddaughters, Emily, Carleigh, Alexandra (Jeff); grandson, Nickolas Bax; and his treasured great-grandson, James. He is also survived by brother, Norman Bax of Tulsa, Okla., and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial mass will take place for Giles at St. Raphael Catholic Church on January 12, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. A celebration of life gathering will take place at the Water Club Clubhouse following Mass at 11:30 a.m. The funeral will be held April 13, 2019, at our Lady of the Snow Catholic Church in Mary's Home, Mo. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a hospice center of your choice.