Carl Wayne Gray Genealogies

Bailey, Forrest Berdett

Bailey, Forrest Berdett

Male 1923 - 2020  (97 years)


Personal Information    |    Notes    |    Sources    |    Event Map    |    All    |    PDF

  • Name Bailey, Forrest Berdett 
    Birth 26 Feb 1923  Clay County, Illinois Find all individuals with events at this location  [1
    Gender Male 
    Reference Number BAIL.F004 
    _FGRAVE 209916519 
    Military Service World War II, 672nd Amphibian Tractor Battalion, United States Army  [2
    United States of America Flag, 48 Stars (1912-1959)

    In 1912, two stars were added to the United States flag, representing Arizona and New Mexico, bringing the total number of stars to 48. They were arranged in six rows of eight stars each. American fighting men would fight under this flag during four wars: World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the beginning of the Vietnam War. (In 1959,…
    United States Army
    United States Army Enlisted Rank Insignia
    World War II
    (1939-1945)
    United States of America Flag, 48 Stars (1912-1959)
    In 1912, two stars were added to the United States flag, representing Arizona and New Mexico, bringing the total number of stars to 48. They were arranged in six rows of eight stars each. American fighting men would fight under this flag during four wars: World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the beginning of the Vietnam War. (In 1959, a…
    Death 8 May 2020  Pana, Christian County, Illinois Find all individuals with events at this location  [1
    Burial McCoy Cemetery, Tower Hill, Shelby County, Illinois Find all individuals with events at this location  [1
    Headstone, Bailey, Iris G. and Forrest B.
    Headstone, Bailey, Iris G. and Forrest B.
    Headstone, Bailey, Iris G. and Forrest B.
    Headstone, Bailey, Iris G. and Forrest B.
    Person ID I50577  Carl Wayne Gray Research
    Last Modified 28 Jul 2021 

    Father Bailey, Forrest,   b. 9 Jul 1901   d. 19 Oct 1987 (Age 86 years) 
    Mother Potts, Jennie Myrtle,   b. 20 May 1903   d. 20 Jan 1991 (Age 87 years) 
    Marriage 1 Dec 1920  [3
    Family ID F18257  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

    Family Pursell, I.G. 
    Children 
     1. Bailey, Ronald B.,   b. 11 Sep 1947, Decatur, Macon County, Illinois Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 9 Jan 1984, Decatur, Macon County, Illinois Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 36 years)
    Family ID F18269  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  • Event Map
    Link to Google MapsBirth - 26 Feb 1923 - Clay County, Illinois Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsDeath - 8 May 2020 - Pana, Christian County, Illinois Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsBurial - - McCoy Cemetery, Tower Hill, Shelby County, Illinois Link to Google Earth
     = Link to Google Earth 

  • Notes 
    • McCracken-Dean Funeral Home, Pana, Illinois Online Obituary

      Forrest Berdett Bailey, 97, of Pana left this life for Heaven on Friday, May 8, 2020.

      He was born February 26, 1923, in Clay County, Illinois, son of the late Forrest Bailey & Jenny Myrtle (Potts) Bailey.
      Forrest graduated from Louisville Community High School in 1942. He learned to weld and worked until he was called to serve his country in the army.

      Forrest married Iris Genell Pursell on February 19, 1944 in Belton, Texas. They lived in California while Forrest finished military training. He served in the 672nd Amphibian Tractor Battalion in the Philippines. The 672nd was instrumental in rescuing Japanese prisoners from the Los Banos internment camp on February 23, 1945. In 2011 they were awarded a unit citation for their part in the rescue behind enemy lines.

      After his army discharge, Forrest was employed at, what was then, A. E. Staley Co. in Decatur, Illinois, a job he held for more than 30 years.

      For most of his life here in Pana, Forrest has been an active member of First Baptist Church. In retirement Forrest and Iris enjoyed their family and travel, especially to Colorado.

      Forrest is survived by his wife of 76 years, Iris, son Phil (Pat) Bailey, son Mark (Denise) Bailey, daughter Karen (Terry) Lush, daughter Rebecca (Steve) Hoffman, daughter Lisa (Morris) Hubbartt, daughter-in-law Peggy Bailey. The couple have 14 Grandchildren and 31 Great Grandchildren. Also surviving are brothers Clifford (Joann) Bailey, Ralph (Charlene) Bailey, and sister Eilene Green. Forrest was preceded in death by son Ronald Bailey; Granddaughter Shelley Bailey; three brothers Lloyd, Arden, and Leon Bailey; and one sister CoeDell Hilligoss.

      Private graveside services for Forrest will be held on Monday, May 11, 2020 in McCoy Cemetery with Pastor Nathaniel Kealen and Pastor Adam Hubbartt co-officiating.

      Memorials in Forrest’s honor may be made to First Baptist Church, 114 Maple St., Pana, IL 62557, and will be accepted by McCracken-Dean Funeral Home who is assisting the family.

  • Sources 
    1. [S3610] http://www.findagrave.com, Headstone, Bailey, Iris G. and Forrest B., (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/209916519/forrest-berdett-bailey), none. (Reliability: 2).

    2. [S4811] http://www.findagrave.com, Obituary, Bailey, Forrest Berdett, 97, (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/209916519/forrest-berdett-bailey), none. (Reliability: 2).

    3. [S3163] http://www.findagrave.com, Obituary, Bailey, Clifford W., (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/229301762/clifford-w.-bailey), none. (Reliability: 2).