Donald Bailey

Donald Bailey spent much of his lifetime shaping future generations throughout his career as both a teacher and guidance counselor. He also shaped the lives of the children he was blessed with through his wife with whom he shared an abiding love. Donald answered the call to serve his country during a time of need in order to help advance the call to liberation and freedom throughout the world. He was a man of faith who treasured the moments he was given as he took each day captive and made it his own no matter the circumstances around him.

In many ways the United States was moving forward in the year 1947 as we continued to adjust to being a peaceful nation once again after the end of WWII in 1945. This was a year in which technology was taking us new places with the invention of the microwave oven, the first televised World Series, and a United States Air Force fighter pilot who became the first person to fly faster than the speed of sound. This was also a year of great significance in the family of Floyd and Leora (Harris) Bailey as they were celebrating the birth of their son, Donald William, on July 25th. Donald was born in Chicago, Illinois, as one of four children in his family including brothers Paul and John and sister Clarice. Some of Donald’s most fond moments from his childhood were spent during many summer days with his grandparents in Momence, Illinois, located just a bit to the east. He also did a lot of camping with his family throughout various location, especially on their annual trips tp Colorado where they enjoyed camping and sailing together.

After the United States had been heavily involved in the fighting in Vietnam for nearly ten years, Donald was one of the young men who answered the call to serve. He was part of the United States Army and served in Vietnam from October 14, 1970 until April 21, 1972. Donald and his brother Paul were both serving in Vietnam and although one was scheduled to return home before the other, they would not leave each other. He was awarded the National Defense Services Medal and the Vietnam Services Medal in recognition of his service. Upon his discharge Donald had achieved the rank of an E5, an Army Sergeant.

Throughout his life, Donald worked hard in his career as well. He worked at the Illinois Central Railroad for five years in order to earn money for his college tuition. After earning his teaching certificate, Donald worked as a science teacher at Bradley- Bourbonnais High School for a time. He returned to school after awhile to become a guidance counselor and once he had finished his schooling, he remained at the high school, only now as a guidance counselor. Donald did eventually return to his position as a science teacher at the school and he was also actively involved in summer school with the children in their hands-on projects. He went on to retire in 2004 after 32 years with the school.

Life turned a new corner for Donald when he was introduced to a woman who would forever change the course of his life. Her name was Karen Rowe and she was the school nurse at Bradley-Bourbonnais. On their first date Donald took both her and her children trick-or-treating and from there, a romance blossomed into a deep love for one another. They were married on July 16, 1988 at the Methodist Church in Gilman, Illinois, just one year after they began dating. Donald enjoyed spending time with his family, especially on their annual trips to Colorado where they enjoyed camping and sailing together.

There were a variety of things that Donald enjoyed throughout his lifetime. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing at the Lake of the Ozarks located in the heart of Missour and their trips to Door Co., WI. Donald also enjoyed woodworking in his shop at home. Gardening was another one of his favorite things to do, and he even signed up to become a master gardener. Donald was a marksman shooter and a member of the National Rifle Association. He was also a member of the College Church of the Nazarene in Bourbonnais, the Kankakee VFW, and the Together in Christ Sunday School class. Donald served as a volunteer within his community for Meals on Wheels at Riverside Hospital and at the food pantry as well.

Donald Bailey was a vibrant, fun-loving, and generous man who knew how to work hard, but he also enjoyed having time off. He pursued a diverse palette of interests throughout his life, many of which centered on his love for the outdoors. Donald was proud to serve his country in the United States Army and fully dedicated himself to the job at hand. He was a man of integrity, strength, and character who brightened the days of those around him just by being himself each and every day. Donald will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.

Donald W. Bailey of Kankakee, Illinois died on December 25, 2009. Donald’s family includes his wife, Karen of Kankakee; sons, Bryan Bailey of Glendale, AZ, Marc (Nicole) Bailey of Kankakee, IL, Scott Bailey of Kankakee, IL; one daughter, Megan Bailey of Kankakee, IL; two grandchildren, Christopher and Hannah Bailey; one brother, Paul (Jean) Bailey of Bloomington, IL; one sister, Clarice (David) Roach of Platte City, MO; and one uncle, Albert Harris of Momence, IL. Donald was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, John Bailey. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at College Church of the Nazarene at 10:00 a.m. with Dr. Allen Dace officiating. Visit with Donald’s family and friends on Monday, December 28, 2009 from 4-8 p.m. at the Kankakee Chapel of the Schreffler Funeral Homes and for one hour prior to the service at the College Church of the Nazarene on Tuesday. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial donation to the Center for Hope Food Pantry or his children’s education fund.