Edgar Bayliff

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Edgar Bayliff, 84, a longtime Kokomo resident and practicing lawyer for more than 50 years, died on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2012.

Ed was born Feb. 23, 1927, to Henry Arthur Bayliff and Grace Eva (Bourn) Bayliff in Hazelwood in Hendricks County.

He was married for 62 years to the former Betty Lou Whitman, who survives.

Ed is also survived by his son, Brad (Lisa) Bayliff of Austin, Texas; his daughter, Dixie (Jeff) McKean of Indianapolis; his two grandchildren, Corby and Carly McKean; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother, John Lewis Bayliff.

He graduated as valedictorian of Belle Union High School in 1945. Ed received his AB degree from Indiana University in 1951 and earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence, with distinction, from Indiana University School of Law, Indianapolis, in 1954. He was awarded membership in the Order of the Coif for high scholastic achievement in law school.

Ed served his country in the United States Army in World War II and the Korean War.

For nearly 40 years, Ed was a member of the law firm of Bayliff, Harrigan, Cord & Maugans in Kokomo. In 1966, he was president of the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association and was honored by that organization with its three highest awards -- Trial Lawyer of the Year, the Hoosier Freedom Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award. For many years, he served on the Board of Governors for the American Trial Lawyers Association. In 1990, Ed received a Distinguished Service Award from Indiana University School of Law, Indianapolis.

One of Ed's greatest contributions to Indiana law and to injured Hoosier citizens was his work which resulted in the passage of the Comparative Fault Act in 1983. This statute made sweeping changes as to how juries award damages in Indiana.

He was active in the Main Street United Methodist Church, Kokomo, for more than 50 years and was a long-time member of the Kokomo Country Club.

Visitation will be Sunday, Jan. 8, from 2-6 p.m. at Shirley and Stout Funeral Home in Kokomo. There will be a memorial service at 6 p.m. on Sunday, following visitation.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Indiana or Main Street United Methodist Church, Kokomo.

Visit www.shirleyandstout.com for additional information and to provide online condolences.