Neil Vernon Bailey, age 90, of Renton/Arlington, passed away on August 15th, 2021 in Gig Harbor of natural causes.
Neil was born May 29, 1931 in Aurora, Wisconsin. His family moved to Washington when Neil was young. He attended Tacoma public schools and Stadium High School. After high school Neil enlisted in the U.S Air Force in 1950 during the Korean war. He served until 1953 and was then honorably discharged. Shortly afterwards he took a trip back to Wisconsin where he met and married his wife, Audrey (Sternhagen) of Florence. They lived in Wisconsin where they had 3 children and then moved to Washington state and welcomed 2 more children,
Neil enjoyed singing, especially AI Jolson and Johnny Cash songs. He had a talent for making marzipan candy, fashioning the pieces with his own hands. He was also quick with a joke or a pun. Neil and Audrey enjoyed having season tickets to the Seahawks for many years, but he always remained a true fan of his Green Bay Packers.
His earlier career was that of a baker with Gais Bakery and he would very often bring home wonderful smelling and delicious baked goods. He later established his own fence company, Bailey Fence Company and he was proud to have his two sons work alongside of him throughout the years. He worked the company successfully until he retired.
Neil is survived by his 2 sons, Frederick and Randy (Marguerite) 2 daughters, Marguerite (Jeff) and Nancy (Ed), 17 grandchildren, 20 great grand children, and 2 great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Audrey, daughters, Becky Yale and Marie Pierce. Also preceding him in death were his parents, Frederick and Ida Bailey and all his siblings.
Funeral services will be held at Tahoma National Cemetery -18600 SE 240th St -Kent WA 98042 on Friday,September 24th at 9:15 am.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer’s Association at ALZ.ORG
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