Raymond E. Bailey
July 30, 1921 — March 20, 2016
Raymond E. Bailey
Lava Hot Springs - Raymond Earl Bailey, 94, World War II Veteran and Prisoner of War, Our Hero, passed away on March 20, 2016, at the Bear Lake Skilled Nursing Facility in Montpelier, Idaho with his children at his side.
Raymond was born July 30, 1921, in Cokeville, Wyoming, to Earl Bailey and Henrietta Thompson Bailey. He was the oldest of 3 children.
Raymond married LaRue Cook on May 22, 1942, in the Logan, Utah Temple. They had one son and two daughters. LaRue passed away July 18, 1978.
Raymond married Dorene Gates on June 12, 1979 in the Logan, Utah Temple. She had 4 children. Dorene passed away January 11, 2012.
Raymond served in the Army/Air Force during World War II and was stationed in England. He was a belly gunner on a B17 Bomber that was shot down. He was a Prisoner of War for 13 months in Stalag 17-B, a German prison camp, until they were liberated by General Patton’s army. He received several service medals: Distinguished Flying Cross, Prisoner of War, National Defense, European Theater of Operations with Battle Stars, World War II Victory, Good Conduct, Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters, and Presidential Unit Citation.
Raymond retired from Utah Power & Light Company in April 1983 after 38 years. He loved serving others in elected office both as Mayor and City Councilman.
He also served the Lord in his callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving as Bishop, Financial Clerk, and a full-time mission with Dorene in South Africa.
Raymond loved playing the guitar, accordion and harmonica in a band with Dorene. He had a passion for gardening, camping, fishing, hunting, traveling, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Raymond is survived by his son Earl (Sherry) Bailey, St. Charles, Idaho; daughters LaRae Jean (Theron) Weston, Laketown, Utah; and Marlene (Jerry) Humpherys, Dingle, Idaho; step sons David (Deborah) Gates, Orem, Utah; Bruce (Vickie) Gates, Wellsville, Utah; step daughters DeLayne (Michael) Henderson, Idaho Falls, Idaho; and Rachelle (Richard) Hollinger, Rexburg, Idaho; 9 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren, and 20 step-grandchildren and 22 step-great grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by 2 sisters; 1 son in-law; and 2 step grandsons.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the physicians and nursing staff of Bear Lake Memorial Hospital, Bear Lake Skilled Nursing Facility, and the Bear Lake Manor for their loving and gracious care of our beloved patriarch.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 25, 2016, at 11 a.m. at the Lava Hot Springs LDS Chapel. A viewing will be held at the Lava Ward Chapel Thursday from 6-8 p.m. and 10 to 10:45 a.m. on Friday.
Interment will be in the Dingle Cemetery at 3 p.m. with Military Rites provided by the VFW Post 3884.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel, 510 N. 12th Ave. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.pocatellofuneral.com
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