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 First Baptist Church, 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 Family Counseling Center Human Rights Committee.
Brian is 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.” -
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 is married with 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.” -
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.” -
Katelyn Bailey
Katelyn began working for her father’s company in 2016. She has fluctuated between working for the monument company and funeral home throughout her years here and enjoys assisting on both sides of the businesses as needed.
She is married with two step children and six fur babies - one dog and five cats. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, baking, spending time with family and crafting.
If Katelyn were to give one piece of advice to others, it would be, “Be kind to everyone you meet, everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about.”
Katelyn says her biggest mentor in her life has been her dad, Brian, who has taught her a strong work ethic, to be empathetic and always ready to help when the opportunity arises. She says he encourages her daily to be a better person. -
Randy Huckelberry Monument Company Operations and Sales Manager
Randy joined our team at Bailey Monument Company with an extensive background in federal corrections.
He is married with five children and thirteen grandchildren that he loves to spend time with. In his free time, he also enjoys mowing and woodworking.
Randy says the biggest mentor in life is his wife who is always honest with him and cares and comforts him.
If he had one piece of advice to share with others, it would be “Don’t sweat the small stuff - it’s all small stuff.” -
Kourtney Barbee Graphic Designer/Administrative Assistant
Kourtney is engaged and is currently planning her fall 2023 wedding.
In her 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. -
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. -
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. -
Bailey Dahmer Monument Company Installer
Bailey is currently in a relationship and has one child.
In his free time, he enjoys fishing, hunting, welding and camping.
If Bailey could give one piece of advice to others, it would be to “work smarter, not harder.”
He also says his dad is his biggest mentor in life. -
Briley Lehman Maintenance
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In Loving Memory Of Evelyn King Aftercare Coordinator 5/11/1942 - 9/26/2016
Evelyn had been in funeral service for 12 years. "I love my work. The highlight of my daily experience is that it allows me the opportunity to help others who are going through some of the same things that I went through, when my husband Dean, and son Kevin passed away. Together, we come to a place where they feel better. It's a special position that reaps its own reward for me."
She attended Vienna Schools, receiving her high school diploma in 1960. Prior to her work in funeral service, Evelyn was a cook in many local restaurants, a dietary supervisor at Massac Memorial Hospital, and a housekeeper at Union County Hospital. Her working life includes managing many convenience stores in Southern Illinois and Western Kentucky for nearly twenty years.
Evelyn and her husband were married for 48 years and together they raised three children. She enjoyed the company of seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Vienna. While Evelyn enjoyed time with her family, she also found playing Bingo and card games especially enjoyable. -
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 #0150
He 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. -
David Rockwell Funeral Service Assistant
David has been in funeral service for two years, which means his eye is fresh and his enthusiasm is high. "I love coming into the funeral home every day, knowing that I will bring comfort to families who are facing the loss of a loved one. Each family has different needs and expectations, and it is my goal to always meet or exceed them."
He graduated from the Vienna Township High School in 1974, and spent years at various institutions of higher learning, including the Shawnee Community College, Murray State University, and Southern Illinois University.
David's prior professional background includes working for the Johnson County Ambulance service, and Western Baptist Hospital.He is retired from the Illinois Department of Corrections, and currently serving as the Johnson County Coroner, and Auxillary County Deputy Sheriff.
He is married, with three adult children, and his extended family brings him a great deal of joy.
David enjoys hunting, fishing, cooking, and listening to music. He is a Life member of the Masonic Lodge #150, of Vienna, and a member of the Illinois Coroners and Medical Examiners Association, the Illinois Police Association, and the Fraternal Order of Police. He is also a member of the Vienna Masonic Lodge #150.
