Peoria Journal Star, April 24, 2005, Page: B6

Havana - Melvin Lee Bailey, 70, of Havana died at 8:45 a.m. Friday, April 22, 2005, at his home.

Born Feb. 5, 1935, in Kilbourne to Robert H. and Lela Friend Bailey, he married Katherine Allard on Dec. 10, 1955. She survives.

Also surviving are three daughters, Dara (and Roy) Bennett of Canton, Valerie Stutsman of Havana and Kimberly (and Terry) Bennett of Havana; four stepdaughters, Jeanette Antonceer, Judy Ladd, Annette Bassett and Phyllis Smith; one sister, Marsha Roberts of Cortez, Colo.; three half sisters, Eloise Toland of Metamora, Estie Maddox of New Mexico; and Eileen Esselman of Villa Grove; 16 grandchildren; 14 step-grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren, 22 step-great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one son, Brian Bailey, one stepbrother and two great-grandchildren.

He worked at Caterpillar Inc. for 31 years and also worked for Bailey's Tree Service.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Cremation has been accorded. Hurley Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

State Journal-Register, Springfield, IL, April 25, 2005, Page: 25

HAVANA - Melvin Lee Bailey, 70, of Havana died Friday, April 22, 2005, at his home.

He was born Feb. 5, 1935, in Kilbourne, the son of Robert H. and Lela Friend Bailey. He married Katherine Allard. A son, Brian Bailey, preceded him in death.

Mr. Bailey worked at Caterpillar Inc. for 31 years and for Bailey's Tree Service.

Services: wife, Katherine; three sons, Rodney (wife, Delores) Bailey of Suman and Daran and Bradley Bailey, both of Havana; stepson, Eric (wife, Edith) Allard; three daughters, Dara (husband, Roy) Bennett of Canton and Valerie Stutsman and Kimberly (husband, Terry) Bennett, both of Havana; four stepdaughters, Jeanette Antonceer, Judy (husband, Alford) Ladd, Annette (husband, Rodger) Bassett and Phyllis Smith; 16 grandchildren; 15 stepgrandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; 22 step-great-grandchildren; five step-great-great-grandchildren; sister, Marsha Roberts of Cortez, Colo.; and three half sisters, Eloise Toland of Metamora, Estie Maddox of New Mexico and Eileen Esselman of Vila Grove.

Cremation was accorded.

Memorial services: at a later date.

Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.

Peoria Journal Star, September 23, 2005, Page: B4

HAVANA - Melvin Lee Bailey, 70, of 619 S. Broadway, Havana, Ill., died Friday, April 22, 2005, at his residence.

A memorial service will be held at Dixon Mounds State Park on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2005, after a potluck dinner at 2:30 p.m. The public is invited. Cremation arrangements were by Hurley Funeral Home.

He was born Feb. 5, 1935, to Lela Friend Lippert Bailey and Robert Herman Bailey in Snicarte, Ill. He married Katherine Allard on Dec. 10, 1955.

Melvin is survived by his wife; three sons, Rodney Lee Bailey (wife Delores) of Ipava, Ill., Daran Bailey and Bradley Bailey of Havana, Ill.; and three daughters, Dara Bennett (husband Roy) of Canton, Ill., Kimberly Bennett (husband Terry) and Valorie Stutsman of Havana, Ill. He also is survived by one stepson, Eric Allard (wife Edith) and four stepdaughters, Jeanette Antoncew, Judy Ladd, Annette (husband Rodger) Bassett and Phyllis Smith; 16 grandchildren; 15 stepgrandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; 22 stepgreat-grandchildren; five stepgreat-great-grandchildren; sister, Marsha A. Roberts of Cortez, Colo.; and five half sisters, Eileen Eshelman of Urbana, Ill., Eloise Toland of Metamora, Ill., Estalee Maddox of Anthony, N. M., Evelyn Adami of Washburn, Ill., and Ruby Yost of San Benito, Texas.

One son, Brian Keith, preceded Melvin in death, as well as his parents, one stepbrother, Aaron Lippert, and two grandchildren.

Melvin worked at Caterpillar Inc. for 31 years, from where he retired in 1986. He also worked at Bailey Tree Service and at the Havana Bowling Alley when he was young.