Bill Bailey, February 19, 1935 — March 16, 2019

Bill’s Obituary Grant William ‘Bill’ Bailey, age 84, Purcell, passed away Saturday, March 16, 2019 after a long illness. Bill was born February 19, 1935 in Joplin to the late Grant Wayne Bailey and Athra Irene Provance Bailey. He graduated from Joplin High School in 1953 and was a member of the Civil Air Patrol.

He enlisted with the United States Air Force and served during the Korean War, having attained the rank of Staff Sergeant prior to being honorably discharged in 1957. Bill went back to school to become an electronic engineer. He moved to Wichita, KS and worked for Boeing and Beech Aircraft and then Electra Mfg.

in Independence. On returning to Joplin, he worked at Eagle Picher Ind. , then for 25 years at LaBarge Electronics.

He retired at the age of 62 from Gulf States. Bill married Caroline Louise Stinson on October 9, 1960 in Joplin. They were married for 58 years and raised four daughters.

He spent his life dedicated to his family and the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. The Bailey’s spent many summers and most weekends on their houseboat on Bull Shoals Lake.

In addition to serving as a reserve Jasper County Deputy Sheriff, Bill was twice elected mayor of the City of Purcell, MO; a member of the NRA; president of Webb City Saddle Club for several years; and a longtime member of the American Legion Post #322. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. In addition to Caroline, Bill is survived by his daughters: Loralee Bowman of Joplin, Robin Dering of Joplin, Annette Allgood and husband Russell of Asbury, Terri Birch of Columbus, fifteen grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents and five siblings: Luther ‘Bud’ Bailey, Robert ‘Bob’ Bailey, Benjamin ‘Dave’ Bailey, Mary Lee Johnson, Norma Goswick, and grandchildren Tori Marie Greuling and Taylor Allgood. There will be a Celebration of Life Friday 6:00 p.m. at the Webb City 66 Event Center, on 21 S. Webb Street. Please join us in celebrating his life with food and memories.

Memorial contributions may be made to Charlie 22 Outdoors, in care of Parker Mortuary. Charlie 22 Outdoors is an organization that provides outdoor activities, namely hunts, to our nation’s veterans with a goal of showing them there is hope, love and a personal meaning in God’s grace. Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.

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