Bob Bailey took the hand of Jesus and walked into his heavenly home on the morning of January 27, 2016.
Bob was born in Fullerton, Nebraska on February 19, 1922 to his parents Everett J. and Gladys Marie (Sterett) Bailey. Bob’s sister, Shirley Ann Roberts of Newcastle, Indiana was born six years later.
Bob was a very active high school student in Lexington, Nebraska, where he played basketball and football, and also ran track. He sang in the high school chorus and was a member of the school quartet, as well as being in his church choir.
In 1940, the Bailey family moved to Noblesville, Indiana. It was on a blind date that Bob met Elizabeth Lenore (Lee) Sexson, an Indianapolis girl who turned out to be the love of his life! In 1942, Bob joined the United States Marine Corps, serving until 1945. He was the chief mechanic for an F4U Corsair fighter plane, while serving in the Central Pacific Arena. Bob returned home in 1945, and on August 25, he and Lee were married in her church in Indianapolis.
In 2002, Lee was called home to be with the Lord, after celebrating nearly 57 years of a beautiful, loving marriage. Bob and Lee always set a perfect example of a Christian marriage, showing great love and respect for each other at all times. They taught a fifth grade Sunday school class for many years, and helped lead many souls to Christ during their lifetime together.
Bob continued to be very active in their church in LaFontaine, Indiana after Lee’s passing, and was still singing with the Praise Team there every Sunday morning until his move to Timbercrest on October 1, 2013. At this time, he began attending the North Manchester United Methodist Church with his daughter and son-in-law, Pam and Terry McKee. Bob read Upper Room daily devotions, and read two chapters of Scripture every day. He was also a true prayer warrior, and included the Timbercrest family in his prayer life.
Bob worked for General Motors for 44 years. Since the last of the three plants he worked in was Fisher Body, in Marion, Indiana, it was necessary for Bob and Lee to move nearer Bob’s work. In August 1962, they moved with their three daughters, Pamela Joan (Terry) McKee of North Manchester, Indiana, Donna Lee (Doug) Barton of LaFontaine, Indiana, and Laura Sue (Bill) Eppley of Wabash, Indiana, to LaFontaine, Indiana.
Bob enjoyed playing Bridge and Euchre at Timbercrest, and had recently begun playing Bingo regularly. Bob was truly appreciative of all the Timbercrest staff, and enjoyed sharing candy, pretzels and popcorn with the nurses, as well as a joke or two! He enjoyed working crossword puzzles in his room, and loved going to different restaurants to eat tenderloins. He ate an apple every day, and loved popcorn and potato chips.
In addition to Bob’s three daughters and sister; survivors include six grandchildren, Douglas Bailey McKee (Kimberly), Kelly Joan Cheshier (Mark), Sabrina Lee White (Robert), Jennifer Jean Steininger (Christopher), Robert Douglas Barton (Lesley), and Miles Richard Eppley (Melissa); 22 great-grandchildren. One grandson, Garth Alan Eppley preceded him in death in 2006.
Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, February 1, 2016 at LaFontaine United Methodist Church, 2 W. Kendall Street, LaFontaine, Indiana 46940, with Pastor Doug Barton officiating. Burial will follow in the LaFontaine IOOF Cemetery in LaFontaine, Indiana.
Visitation for family and friends will be from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday, January 31, 2016 at McDonald Funeral Home, LaFontaine Chapel, 104 S. Main Street, LaFontaine, Indiana 46940. Preferred memorials are directed to LaFontaine United Methodist Church, 2 W. Kendall Street, LaFontaine, Indiana 46940. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com