Photo courtesy of Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service - White Lake Chapel
Whitehall, Michigan
May 11, 1938 – Nov 19, 2017
Robert Herman Bailey, 79, of Custer, passed away on a perfect morning for hunting, November 19, 2017, surrounded by his family. He spent his final days at home on Lost Lake after having surgery and battling pneumonia.
He was born to Robert and Helen Bailey (Guild) in Lowell, MI on May 11, 1938. He was preceded in death by both.
Bob married Sharon VandenBergh on August 2nd, 1958 in Wyoming, MI, where they lived and raised their four boys.
After working for 29 years at Walter Hagen Golf Company in Wyoming, Bob was the last one out when the company locked the doors and moved to Tennessee. He finished his working life as a maintenance man at East Grand Rapids High School.
Upon retiring, Bob and Sharon moved to Custer, Michigan where they built a home on Lost Lake. Bob spent most days volunteering at the Scottville Area Senior Center as a driver and jack of all trades, making coffee, answering the phones, and troubleshooting. He made many friends while “working there.” The past 15 years were the happiest years of his life. In addition to hunting and fishing with his boys, enjoying lake life, Bob enjoyed serving his community.
Bob was a long time member of the Mason County County Council on Aging, and Triad of the Mason County Sheriff’s Department, as well as serving as a member of the Eden Township Tax Review Board. He was also a member of the Scottville Optimist Club.
Bob leaves behind his loving wife Sharon, as well as his four sons and their families; Chris (Vicki) of Sparta, Scott (Michelle) of South Lyon, Rob (Mandy) of Grand Rapids, and Jeff (Cindy) of Coldwater.
He is also survived by his grandchildren, whom he loved very much: Tiffany Bailey, Alicia Renno, Scott Bailey, Steven Bailey, Justin Bailey, Amber Stek, Robbie Bailey, Molly Bailey, Emma Bailey, Adam Bailey, Luke Bailey, as well as 12 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.
Cremation has taken place and there will be a Celebration of Bob’s life on Saturday, November 25, 2017 at the Scottville Area Senior Center from 2 pm to 4 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Scottville Area Senior Center or Hospice of Michigan.
Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Pere Marquette Chapel, Ludington, is in charge of arrangements.
www.beaconfh.com
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family of Bob.Im sure he will be missed .He was a great friend to the Perkins family.Good hunting companion all around neat guy. Al and carol perkins Bradenton Fl.
November 23, 2017
Sharon and family,You have our deepest sympathy,thoughts and prayers.Love Joe and Muggs
November 21, 2017
Always smiling and always quick to open his home to any and all!
I was blessed to be one of those welcomed with open arms by Bob and Sharon over the years.
Much love and peace to the whole family!
He will be greatly missed!
Becky Rotach
November 21, 2017 | Grand Haven, MI
Fond memories of Uncle Bob playing Santa, at the family Christmas' when we were kids. Then later, a real hoot, watching the young 2nd and 3rd kid cousins each sit on 'Santa's' lap, and try not to call him 'Grandpa', as he gave them a present. Our big-kid cameras ready, as they each opened a gift.
Leanne
November 20, 2017 | Kentwood, MI
condolences to the Bailey family at your loss. Bob and my brother Jerry spent many years hunting, fishing and other things up in Kalkaska on opening day of trout fishing and opening day of deer season. They also worked many years at Wilson's golf division (Walter Hagen). They both loved doing these things together and as a younger brother I lover hearing these stories. So Sharon my wife and I are so sorry for your loss. Paul and Marcia Perkins.
PAUL Perkins
November 20, 2017 | Jenison, MI
Prayers to the Bailey family. Such great memories of the old Wyoming neighborhood. Sharon, Bob and the boys were a very important part of the Gossman family's life for many years. From Cub Scouts, to baseball, to just being wonderful neighbors. Much love to you at this sad time.
November 20, 2017
We pulled up to his deer camp in Bristol unannounced...Bobbie c9mes out in the dark with one hand on his shoulder holster..says can I help you.......I said don't shoot it's your sister. Always wore that holster....growing up he enjoyed pranks always on his sibling. Memories of deer camp I will cherish forever. When I was little he would come home with a squirrel, rabbit and have me hold the head while he skinned and cleaned it.
Norma
November 20, 2017
