Howard C. Bailey

Howard Bailey led a life characterized by honesty, integrity and respect. Described as generous, funny, hardworking and loving, he was the kind of man others looked up to. Never one to let life pass him by, Howard participated in many organizations that gained him respect and admiration throughout his community. However, he was never too busy to spend time with his beloved wife, children and grandchildren, all of whom he loved dearly. The 1920s were a decade of prosperity following the end of World War I. In Muskegon, Michigan, Floyd Bailey and his wife, Anna (Christiansen), celebrated the birth of their second son, Howard, on June 15, 1920. Howard grew up on Forest Avenue in Muskegon, and had many aunts, uncles and cousins who lived nearby in the same neighborhood. While his mother tended to their home, his father owned and operated Muskegon Awning. Howards family was proud of their strong Norwegian heritage and raised the children with an appreciation of their history. As a child, Howard attended Nims Elementary School. He looked up to his beloved older brother, Max, who good-naturedly let Howard tag along with him and his friends. Like many boys of the time, Howard spent much of his leisure time skinny-dipping in Muskegon Lake, catching a movie and eating ice cream on Western Avenue, and playing baseball and hockey with his good friends, Bud Johnson and Gary Olsen. It was a funny sight to see Howard riding his bike around with a pet crow hanging tight to the handlebars. Howard got his drivers license at the age of 13, and drove his mother and aunts around town, and to visit his grandparents on their farm. As a teenager, Howard and his friend, Gary, canoed the entire 234-mile Muskegon River, camping out along the way. Howard was a good student in the Muskegon Public Schools, and graduated from Muskegon High in 1938. He went on to attend Muskegon Community College for 2 years before heading to California in his uncles Chrysler to attend UCLA for a year. Tragically, his mother had a stroke while he was gone, so he packed up and came home. She died a short time later and Howard stayed in Muskegon and began working at Continental Motors which was manufacturing tank and aircraft engines to aid the war effort. Howard knew Shirley Wiersma all his life. Their families attended Olivet Evangelical Church and their mothers were close friends. They began dating when Howard was in college and were married in Muskegon in 1944. They didnt have much time to celebrate because Howard received his draft notice from the U.S. Navy two weeks later. Shirley eventually joined Howard in Pensacola, Florida where he was stationed. During his time in the service, Howard and Shirley celebrated the birth of their first child, son Tommy, in 1944. They were devastated by his tragic death in 1946 from a brain tumor. But it wasnt long before Howard and Shirley had a ray of sunshine in their lives as they welcomed the birth of their second child, daughter Barb in 1947. She was later joined by Marsha in 1950, Bruce in 1954, and Ann in 1958. Upon his discharge from the Navy, Howard and Shirley moved their family back to Muskegon, and settled in a home at 126 Porter Road with Howards father, Floyd. In 1953, the family moved to 913 West Hile Road, the home they would own for more than forty years. Howards father lived with the family until he died in 1956. After the war, Howard was briefly employed by Shaw Walker Corp. and then went toBrowne-Morse Co. where he served as Plant Manager, for 23 years. The last 12 years of his career were spent as purchasing director at Muskegon Community College. He loved the collegial environment and spent many lunch hours power-walking the halls with his good friend, Ralph Platt. Howard worked hard to support his family, but he also found time to have fun. His happiest moments involved the time he spent with his family. Almost every summer night, Howard and the kids could be found in the yard engaged in a competitive game of badminton. Over the years, they took many family trips that included camping in Northern Michigan, a memorable vacation at his cousins cottage in the upper peninsula, a visit to Chicago, and a cross-country car trip to California. After the kids were grown, Howard and Shirley traveled to China, Barbados and Europe. Howard was an avid hunter and for many years he raised beagles and Brittany Spaniels. Although his family and work kept him busy, Howard valued his community and was actively involved in many organizations and boards. He was a longtime active member of Lake Harbor United Methodist Church, Past Governor of Kiwanis International, and a member of the Muskegon Elks and Jaycees. Howard served on the Norton Shores planning commission for over 30 years and as chairman for more than 20. Howard loved to play pinochle and he and Shirley played once a month with three other couples for 40 years. Howard lost his beloved wife Shirley in 1992, after 48 years of marriage. But Howard would find love again in 2000, when he met Irene Rodgers at an exercise class. Over the next 3 years, the two grew close and fell in love. They were married in 2003, and both their families were happy about their union. Howard and Irene enjoyed traveling all over the country to visit their respective families, and further afield to Europe. They enjoyed river trips on the Seine, the Rhine and the Mosul in Europe and on the Mississippi in the U.S. At home, Howard and Irene enjoyed singing in the church choir together, playing Euchre with friends, taking day trips and being part of the Town Club Dance Group. Howard and Irene were not only lovers, they were best friends. Howard Bailey was a gentle and caring man, who treated everyone he met with the utmost respect and honesty. He was a tireless worker, and loved his family, church and community deeply with a large and benevolent heart. Howard C. Bailey, age 88, died on Thursday, September 18, 2008. He is survived by his wife, Irene; son, Bruce (Dee) Bailey of NC; daughters, Barbara (James) Korpik of KY, Marsha Bailey & William Anderson of CA, Ann (John) Rockey of TX; stepsons, Ronald (JoAnn) Rodgers of AK, James (Carla) Rodgers of Fruitport; stepdaughters, Rozlyn (William) Wright of Muskegon, Charlotte (David) Brown of Muskegon; in the combined families, 16 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren; several nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by first wife, Shirley; son, Thomas; parents, Floyd and Anna, and brother, Maxwell. Services for Howard will be held on Monday, September 22, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation 1 hour prior to the service at Lake Harbor United Methodist Church with Rev. Mark Erbes officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lake Harbor United Methodist Church Memorial Garden or a charity of your choice. Please visit Howards personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory with his family or sign his online guest book.