Our History
Bailey Funeral Home was founded on September 12, 1997. That was the date the Bailey family purchased the facility, formerly the Aly Funeral Home, from Ralph and Mary Catherine Aly.
The Aly family had constructed and occupied the building, located at 705 North First Street, in Vienna, in 1976.
The funeral home was managed by their son, R. Douglas Aly, until his tragic death in a car accident in 1983. It was then the day-to-day operations fell to the supervision of Charles "Chuck" Aly, a position he held until the sale of the facility in 1997. Ralph and Mary Catherine have passed away, but their legacy lives on in their grandson, Mark, who operates funeral homes in Eddyville & Golconda.
Since acquiring the funeral home on that day in September, 1997, the staff of Bailey Funeral Home have worked to make a number of improvements. These included expansion of the chapel, redecoration of the coffee lounge, as well as installation of new carpet, furnishing, and wall treatments. "Every detail, every change, was made to create a comfortable, homelike experience for our families," shares Brian Bailey. "We also improved the landscaping, adding a rock garden and waterfall adjacent to the front porch. We also strive to highlight local seasonal flowers, beautifully-tended rose bushes, and well-manicured shrubbery. This creates a very peaceful, yet elegant setting for funeral and memorial services."
The Bailey Funeral Home carries on a rich tradition of service to the families of Johnson County and the surrounding area.
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Brian Bailey Owner/Funeral Director/Embalmer
Brian has owned and operated Bailey Funeral Home since 1997. "I believe that funeral service is a calling; one which allows me the opportunity to provide compassionate and caring service to members of our community during a very difficult time in their lives."He is a 1986 graduate of Vienna High School, and a 1988 graduate of the Southern Illinois University Mortuary Science and Funeral Service Program.Before electing to own his own funeral home, Brian worked at the former Whitnel Funeral Home in Vienna from 1988 to 1997.Brian is the proud father of two children, Katelyn and Nathan Bailey. He is a member of the Vienna Masonic Lodge #150 AF & AM; The Egyptian Chapter #30 Order of the Eastern Star, and is a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, as well as a Shriner.He is also a member of the Vienna Fraternal Cemetery Board, the Vienna Zoning Board, as well as the Johnson County 2000 Commission. Brian is also a member and past-president of the Egyptian (Southern Illinois) Funeral Directors Association.He enjoys spending time with his children and family, golfing, fishing, reading, and cooking.If Brian had one piece of advice to share with others, it would be to “Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly and leave the rest to God.” - Ronald Reagan.Brian says one of his lifelong mentors was Pastor Bill Gholson who gave him some of the best advice he has ever received and that he will never forget. Pastor Bill taught Brian that when times are tough, “keep your head high, your nose clean and your mouth shut.”
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Katelyn Bailey Executive Administrative Assistant
Katelyn has been a dedicated part of both the funeral home and monument company since 2016, gaining invaluable experience in providing compassionate support to families during their time of need. As she embarks on her mortuary science studies, she is committed to following in her father’s footsteps and continuing the legacy of care and service. In her role as Executive Administrative Assistant, Katelyn ensures seamless coordination of services, offering professionalism, empathy, and attention to detail to help families honor their loved ones with dignity and respect.
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Laura Kilgore Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeper
Laura came to work at Bailey Funeral Home with a background of years of banking experience and says she had the privilege to work with wonderful bosses who have mentored her along the way.She has two children and four grandchildren. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, buggy riding, and being a maw-maw to her grandbabies.If Laura had one piece of advice to share with others, it would be to “save early in life.”
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Denise Bates Administrative Assistant
Denise joined our team at Bailey Funeral Home after an extensive background in the manufacturing industry.She has two children and seven grandchildren who she enjoys spending time with as well as her dog.In her free time, she enjoys grilling, gardening, jigsaw puzzles and being outdoors.Denise says her dad has been her mentor throughout life and would always tell her “If you’re going to do something, always do it to the best of your abilities. That way you won’t ever have to go back and do it over.”If Denise had one piece of advice to share with others, it would be to, “Be yourself and never let anybody stand in the way of your dreams.”
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Kourtney Barbee Monument Company Graphic Designer/Administrative Assistant
In Kourtney's free time, she enjoys crafting, shopping, side by side riding and spending time with her two fur babies.If Kourtney could give one piece of information to others, it would be that “everything happens for a reason, you may not understand it right now, but later on, it will make sense.”Kourtney says her mother has been a great mentor to her because she listens to her any time she needs someone. She also gives Kourtney good advice when she needs it and continues to teach Kourtney how to become a caring, loving and hardworking person.
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Jordan Dalton Monument Company Sandblaster/Installer
Jordan has worked for Bailey Monument Company since he was only sixteen years old. He found an early talent for sandblasting and has been our head sandblaster for over ten years now.He is engaged with two children and enjoys spending his free time riding four-wheelers and fishing.If Jordan could give one piece of advice to others, it would be to, “Be happy with what you have while working for what you want.”He says his biggest mentor is Brian Bailey who gave him a chance.
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Michael Cardinal Monument Company Sandblaster/Installer
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Jeff Dalton Monument Company Lead Installer
Jeff is married with four children and four grandchildren.In his free time, he enjoys fishing and being outdoors. Jeff is easy going and a friend to everyone he meets.The best piece of advise he would give others is to, "work as a team and work safe."His biggest mentor in life is his step father.
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Briley Lehman Maintenance
My name is Briley Lehman. I am a graduate of Vienna High School and am currently enrolled at John A. Logan College earning my Associate's Degree in Construction Management. After graduation I plan to work as a project manager in the Southern Illinois area. I am a big brother to my 6-year-old little sister and have a German Shorthair Pointer that keeps me on my toes.
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Scott Tapley Funeral Service Assistant
Scott came to funeral service early in life, working with his two late uncles, Dimmer and Woodrow Wilson at their funeral home in Karnak. It was then that Scott learned and came to deeply understand the importance of caring and compassion for families during a time of loss. "It is an honor and a privilege for me to serve and assist the families who turn to us during a most difficult time." He is a graduate of Century High School, and attended Shawnee Community College. After working for Electric Energy, Inc. for 39 years, he retired, and came into a new career as a funeral service associate with Bailey Funeral Home. Scott is a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, Shriner and member of Vienna Masonic Lodge #0150He and his wife of forty years, Kay, live in Karnak. They have two children, and three grandchildren. Scott enjoys woodworking in his shop at home, fishing, and spending time with their family and friends.
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Steve Housewright Funeral Service Assistant
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Tom Jones Funeral Service Assistant
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In Loving Memory Of Evelyn King Aftercare Coordinator 5/11/1942 - 9/26/2016
