Bernard A. Bailey's Obituary
Bernard Bailey Obituary
Bernard A. Bailey, 92, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, died October 12, 2015 at the home of his daughter in Lorain, Ohio. He was born May 28, 1923 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Claude and Maude (nee: Duffy) Bailey. He was a graduate and star athlete at Creston High School. Soon after he signed up for WWII and served as a Lieutenant in the Army Air Corps under General Claire Chennault as a P51 pilot. He flew over fifty missions from his base in China. After his discharge he returned to college and graduated from The University of Michigan, Business School. He and his wife Ruth were married prior to his senior year and enjoyed attending every football game of the 1948 Championship Season. Go Blue! After graduation he returned to Grand Rapids to pursue his career in retail sales and traveled throughout Michigan until the age of 91. He and his wife were founding members of Faith Lutheran Church, where he served on the church council and they were active for many years. Bernie enjoyed gardening and always had a beautiful garden in his backyard. He continued to enjoy sporting events, especially the Detroit Tiger and U of M football. As his children and grandchildren grew up, he enjoyed attending their various musical and sporting events. He so loved spending time with them.Bernie is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ruth E. (nee: Niehaus); daughters, Lynne (John) Lampert of Lorain, Ohio and Jayne (Edmund) Messina of Haslett, Michigan; grandchildren, Timothy, Laura, Daniel (Jodie), Jill (Kyle) and Marc (Jessica); great grandchildren, Natalie and Nathan; sisters, Mary Momber and Margaret (Doug)Wozniak. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Edward Bailey and brothers in law Charles Badgerow and Lester Momber.Bernie was a member of The Greatest Generation and truly lived the American Dream. His was a life well lived!All services will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, 2740 Fuller Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49505 or a charity of choice. Arrangements were in the care of Dicken Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Elyria, Ohio. For online condolences visit www.dickenfuneralhome.com.
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