William Everett "Bill" Bailey

William Everett Bailey, 85, Schell City, the son of Willie and Rabie Anna (Dixon) Bailey, was born June 16, 1925, in Rockville, and passed from this life at 2:30 a.m. Sunday, May 29, 2011, at his home.

Bill started school in a one room schoolhouse just north of Rockville, but soon moved along with his family to Schell City. He graduated from Schell City High School in 1943 and later that year, on Sept 19, he was united in marriage to Anna Elizabeth Hillier at the Schell City Christian Church. Their union was blessed with the birth of two daughters.

He and Anna settled for a time in the Appleton City area just before Bill entered the United States Marine Corps. While Bill was in the military, Anna lived in Schell City and that is where they made their home after Bill’s service to our country.

Bill then began employment with the Missouri Pacific Railroad, now known as the Union Pacific Railroad. He continued that employment for 30 years, all the while farming his own land as well as working for other farmers in the area. He retired from the railroad in 1984 – but never really retired from farming.

In what small amount of spare time he had, Bill enjoyed fishing, gardening, camping and always enjoyed target practice – especially shooting clay pigeons. But the greatest love of Bill’s life was his family and friends. He enjoyed spending time with all of them even as his health declined.

Bill was baptized in 1943 and was a longtime member of the Schell City Christian Church and 50+ year member of Schell City Lodge AF and AM #448, and the American Legion.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Robert Eugene Bailey; his wife, Anna; and his daughter, Angela Scotten.

Survivors include his daughter, Bonnie, and her husband, Jr. of Schell City; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Bill was not only grandpa to Bonnie and Angela’s sons, Kevin and Randy, and their wives, Sue and Tracy, and Clayton and Brandon, but also to Jr.’s daughter, Arlinda. He loved all of the many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren and was also “Grandpa” to many that were not even “family” but he considered them all “grandchildren.

Services began at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 1, at the Schell City Christian Church in Schell City with Bro. Doug Reynolds and Bro. Howard McPeak officiating. Musical selections were provided by Sharon Goodman and David Souza. Pallbearers were Sam Vantellman, Dennis Vantellman, Doug Vantellman, Grady Davis, Ervin Goodman and Bobby Scotten. Interment with military honors were held in the Green Lawn Cemetery in Schell City. Masonic services were held at the graveside by P.D.D.G.M. Lawrence Cripps. Funeral services were entrusted to the Lewis-Hoagland Funeral Home, Schell City. Memorial are suggested to the Heartland Hospice in care of the funeral home.