LEWISBURG, W.Va. — The last living founder of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine is dead.
Dr. O.J. Bailes died Saturday at the age of 95; he was among the four people who founded the institution in 1972.
The school was founded as the Greenbrier College of Osteopathic Medicine. According to a press release from the school, Bailes — alongside Drs. Carlton Apgar, Don Newell and Frank Wallington — wanted to create an institution to best serve rural West Virginia.
“We are saddened that WVSOM’s last remaining founder is no longer with us,” said Dr. James Nemitz, the school’s president. “Dr. Bailes was a loyal, passionate supporter of the school he helped to found. He will be remembered for his many contributions to the osteopathic medical profession and his dedicated service to the people of southern West Virginia.”
Bailes, a Nicholas County native, was an alumnus of the Kansas City College of Osteopathy in Missouri. He is survived by his wife Jean, two daughters, seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. His son, Charles, preceded him in death
Funeral services will be held Saturday at First United Methodist Church in Princeton. The visitation will begin at noon, with the funeral starting at 2 p.m.