Charles W. (Chuck) Bailey

Charles (Chuck) Bailey, 95, Oberlin, passed away at his home in the Abbewood Senior Living Community, on Jan. 8. 2022 in the presence of his family.

Chuck was born in Elyria on July 3rd, 1926 to Arthur and Pearl (Reisinger) Bailey. He had just one sister Josephine Markle, who preceeded him in death in 2021 at the age of 103.

Chuck was a 1944 graduate of Elyria High School. Prior to graduation he was an employee of General Industries. He went on to work with Tucker Maytag in Oberlin. At that time he also worked as an Oberlin school bus driver. He joined the Oberlin Fire Department full time in 1955. While on the fire department Chuck enjoyed his fire department squad like family. He and other firemen shared ownership of a 1937 Seagraves Quad Fire truck that they named Betsy. She was proudly displayed in many local parades. Always busy, Chuck enjoyed many side jobs while on the fire department, including painting with Kenny Bohrer, hauling water with Bob Hanmer, and working at Gasflux in Elyria where his late brother in law Tom Kern was a vice president. Chuck was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Oberlin where he enjoyed serving wherever he was needed. He enjoyed bowling, volunteering with Hot Meals, visiting the fire station with donuts, and local history. What we will always remember was his unceasing generosity to neighbors, friends, and strangers. If you were lucky enough to be a part of Chuck’s life, no matter what you were going through, you were never alone.

He is survived by his wife, June (Kern) Bailey, his children - Jean Love, Alan Bailey, Darrell (Heather) Martin and Sally (Alan) Hennessy, grandchildren Brian (Julie Hill) Hodgkin, Erika (John) Cann, Mark Bailey, Nathan Shiff, Hannah (Jimmy Mero) Shiff, Cooper Martin, and Emma Martin, his great grandchildren Ellie Slavik and Alexandra Cann, his niece Sandy Mason, and many great nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life has been planned. Visitation will take place at the Cowling Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 18 from 5-7pm. A private graveside service and internment will take place at Westwood Cemetery in Oberlin, Ohio officiated by Rev. Bob Hooker. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the foundation of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.cowlingfuneralhomeoh.com

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