Jerry L. Baylor

Jerry “Bull” Baylor, 73, of Allegheny Township (Leechburg), passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2020 at the VA Hospital in Oakland.

Bull was born December 30, 1946.  He was 73 years old.  He was the son of the late Fred and Alma Baylor. He is survived by his significant other, Alicia Pastva; his brother Bill, who was his neighbor; and his nephew, Billy Baylor.  He was preceded in death by his brothers, Bob and Joe, a sister Janet, and his ex-wife, Cindy Carpen.

Bull was a Kiski Area graduate of the Class of 1965.  Bull was employed by Allegheny Ludlum until his motorcycle accident in 1980.  He was also co-owner of the Vandergrift Harley-Davidson Shop.  One of his most valued experiences was his time in the Marine Corps.  He was stationed in Viet Nam in 1967 as a demolition expert and in his spare time he wrote poetry about his Viet Nam experiences for Leatherneck Magazine.  When he came home, he upheld the Marine Corps motto “Once a Marine, Always a Marine” to his dying day.  For 14 years, he volunteered at the Heinz VA in Pittsburgh, logging 5727 hours helping fellow veterans by sharing his genuine compassion and concern for them, touching countless lives forever.  He was a member of the VFW Post 566 in Vandergrift, American Legion Post 114 in Vandergrift, Marine Corps League Det. 827 of Springdale, Keystone Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans, lifetime member of Roaring Run Watershed Association, and Staff Writer for Wright-McGill.

Bull enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially cat fishing, which he wrote about for a PA cat fishing magazine.  He attained the level of Master Cat Fisherman.  After his terrible motorcycle accident in 1980, he became a quadriplegic, yet this did not slow him down.  Less than a year after the accident, he was competing around the United States in various wheelchair track and field meets.  He has an entire room in his house filled with his trophies and medals to prove it. Bull also branched out into full marathons around the country and wheelchair rugby, which he truly loved.  In his downtime, he was a ravenous reader and a very proficient painter.  Bull was such a charismatic figure that he drew people to him no matter where he went.  He really enjoyed getting together with his friends for breakfast and other social events.  Last, but not least, he was a true fan of Mr. Bob Dylan.  He could sing to you, word-for-word, any of Dylan’s songs.  Bull is now “Blowin’ in the Wind.”  He will be greatly missed by family and friends.  Semper Fi, Brother!

Friends will be welcomed by his family on Sunday, August 30, 2020 from 1-5 p.m. at Clawson Funeral & Cremation Center, 170 Main Street, Leechburg (724-842-1051).  All visitors are asked to respectfully follow current state guidelines concerning pandemic measures of required face coverings, social distancing and gathering restrictions.  Private interment will be held at Greenwood Memorial Park in Lower Burrell.  Military rites will be conducted by the Vandergrift Veterans Honor Guard.  In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to Alicia Pastva, c/o Clawson Funeral & Cremation Center.

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