John Bailey

John Wesley Bailey, 83 of Independence, MO passed away, Saturday, June 1, 2013 at the Golden Living Center in Independence, MO. Graveside services will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 5, 2013 at the Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 6 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday evening at the Carson-Speaks Chapel 1501 W. Lexington Ave., Independence, MO 64052. John was born August 20, 1929 in Long Beach, CA to William D. and Nellie Maude (McLaughlin) Bailey. He grew up and graduated from Marshall, MO High School and later received a bachelor’s degree from Lincoln University. He proudly served in the US Army from 1946-56. He later worked for 20 years for the City of Independence in the engineering dept. before he retired in 1984. He was a stock market enthusiast who also enjoyed spending time with his family especially his granddaughter and great granddaughter. He was a member of the Ararat Shrine in Kansas City, MO, the Masonic Blue Lodge, Scottish Rite, VFW Post #1000 and the Retired Officers Association. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Vera Bailey of the home; 2 daughters, Cheryl D. Cooper and husband Robert F. and Machelle Clark and her husband Gary E. all of Independence, MO; a brother, Clifton Bailey of Kansas City, KS; 3 sisters, Catherine L. Thomas of Lawrence, KS, Joanna Grandbouche of San Jose, CA and Mary Ellen Brown of Kansas City, MO; a granddaughter, Averi D. Smith and a great granddaughter, Adrianna Sophia Hernandez.