Rev. John Bailey

Rev. John Bailey, son of Edgar Earl Bailey and Bertha Leola (Cox) Bailey, was born November 12, 1928 in the Cedar Grove Community of Pope County, Illinois. John went home to be with his Lord & Savior Tuesday afternoon, July 3, 2007 at 5 PM at his home in the Glendale Community. At the time of his passing, John was enjoying one of his favorite pastimes, working in his yard. John had attained the age of 78 years 7 months & 21 days. John was united in marriage to Mildred (Evitts) on November 18, 1949 at Mildredƒ?Ts parentƒ?Ts home by Rev. Charles M. Evitts. On the occasion of their 25th wedding anniversary in 1974, John & Mildred renewed their wedding vows. They were blessed to have the same pastor, Rev. Charles M. Evitts, officiate at this service also. Mildred preceded John in death on June 11, 1997. Survivors include: a Son - Allen Bailey of Simpson, IL; a Granddaughter ƒ?" Tresa & Scotty Hargrove of Renshaw, IL; a Sister ƒ?" Juanita & Wayne Hardin of Harrisburg, IL; a Brother ƒ?" Buel Lee & Doris Bailey of Anna, IL; a Sister-in-Law ƒ?" Wanda Bailey of Vienna, IL; A host of Nieces, Nephews, other relatives & many dear friends. In addition to his Parents and Wife, John was preceded in death by: a Brother ƒ?" Lowell Laverne Bailey; a Sister ƒ?" Hazel Ruth Trigg; a Nephew ƒ?" Terry Bailey; a Brother-in-Law ƒ?" Maurice Wells. John was a graduate of the Pope County Community High School. He was employed from March 1, 1951 ƒ?" August 31, 1985 by the University of Illinois Agricultural Center at Dixon Springs, IL, where he was a member of the farm crew. John was a man of tremendous faith. His one true passion was his love for God and his desire to serve God faithfully. John announced his call into the gospel ministry on February 9, 1955 and preached his first sermon on February 13, 1955 at the Pleasant Ridge Methodist Church. John was ordained into the ministry in September 1956. His first pastorate was the Cedar Grove Social Brethren Church. Throughout his ministry, John served as the pastor of several Social Brethren churches, namely: Vineyard Chapel, Green Valley, Union, Bethesda, New Home, Dorrisville, & Cedar Bluff. Currently, John served as the associate pastor of Cedar Grove Church. John and Mildred had the opportunity to make two missionary trips to the Phillipines. He had served on the Missionary Board of the Union Association, as well as the Illinois Association, of Social Brethren Churches. John enjoyed gardening, and wood working. He especially enjoyed making and sharing decorative lawn ornaments, especially bird ornaments. John also was an avid bird watcher. For many years, he kept detailed records of the arrivals, departures, & nesting habits of the blue birds and martins which he built bird houses for in his yard. Additionally, John was a devoted fan of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. John also loved music and enjoyed singing with his brothers and sisters. John had a great love of family. He and Mildred had a deep respect and love for each otherƒ?Ts families. John leaves his family and many dear friends to cherish his memory. Funeral services will be Saturday afternoon, July 7, 2007 at 1 PM at the Cedar Grove Social Brethren Church near the Glendale community. Burial will be in the Cedar Grove Cemetery. The body will lie-in-state at the church from 12 Noon ƒ?" 1 PM Saturday. Friends may call after 3 PM Friday, July 6, 2007 at the Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna, IL. Memorials may be made to the Cedar Grove Cemetery, c/o Paul Rushing, 110 Missy Lane, Vienna, IL 62995 or to the Union Association of Social Brethren Youth Camp, c/o Karen Wright, 185 Puckett Rd., Harrisburg, IL 62946.

Rev. John Bailey

November 12, 1928 - July 3, 2007