Submitted by: Dan Rich
Dec. 14, 1934 - Aug. 7, 1999
South Bend Tribune 8/9/1999
Willard Eugene ''Gene'' Bailey, 64 years old, residing on West Market Street, North Liberty, IN passed away at 1:47 A.M. on Saturday, August 7, 1999 in the Memorial Hospital in South Bend. Mr. Bailey was born on December 14, 1934 in Richmond, IN to the late Willard Alden and Elizabeth (Fye) Bailey. He resided at the Wernle Children's Home and various foster homes in the Richmond area until he joined the United States Marine Corps in 1952. After servicing 20 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, he retired in 1972 as a Captain. Mr. Bailey received his B.A. and M.S. degrees from Indiana University at South Bend and was a teacher at North Liberty High School, LaVille Jr./Sr. High School, Urey Middle School and John Glenn High School. He also coached wrestling, baseball and football. Mr. Bailey has resided in North Liberty since 1974.
On June 7, 1958 in California he married Nettie Novak Cates. He remarried on June 21, 1969.at the Zion United Church of Christ in South Bend to Darnell J. Beatty who survives. Also surviving is a one son, Steven Eugene Bailey of Mishawaka, two daughters, Leslie Jane(Jeff) Petersen of Mishawaka and Doreen Antionette (Mark) Wachenschwanz of Fort Wayne, a daughter-in-law; Gloria Corellano of Washington, DC, four grandchildren; Joseph Paul Bailey of South Bend, Lauren Allison Bailey of Washington, DC, Brandon Novak Wachenschwanz of Fort Wayne, and Samantha Ann Petersen of Mishawaka, three sisters; Alice Bailey of Buffalo, MN, Karen Blair and Sandra (Ray) Mayberry, both of Richmond, IN and three brothers; Allen Keith (Georgia) Bailey of Cudahy, WI., David Bailey of San Rafael, Calif., and Charles Koontz of Lake Villa, Ill.
Mr. Bailey was a member of the North Liberty United Methodist Church, North Liberty Lion's Club, Lion's Club International, and the Coast Guard Auxiliary. He loved to sail and was an avid golfer.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 10, at the North Liberty United Methodist Church. Rev. Fred Stayton, pastor of the church, will officiate. Burial and military graveside services will follow at the Porter Rae Cemetery, located in Potato Creek State Park, North Liberty. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today, Aug. 9, in the Palmer Funeral Home, 314 S. Michigan Street, Lakeville, IN and one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday. Contributions in memory of Willard Eugene ''Gene'' Bailey may be donated to the church.