H. Van Bailey II

H. Van Bailey, II, age 81, of North Webster, IN, and formerly of Huntington, IN, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Peabody Retirement Community in North Manchester, IN. Van was born on December 24, 1944, in Saint Johns, MI, to the late Harold Van I and Bonnie (Ream) Bailey. His first marriage was to Patricia "Tish" Platt on June 1, 1970, and she preceded him in death on November 17, 1994. His second marriage was to Judy (Johnson) Lippe on February 3, 1996, and she survives.

Van graduated from Huntington High School in 1963, where he distinguished himself as an outstanding student-athlete. He excelled in basketball, football, and track, earning the respect of teammates, coaches, and the broader community for both his talent and determination. He continued his athletic career at Butler University with a full scholarship to play football and run track under the guidance of legendary coach Tony Hinkle.

After graduating from Butler in 1967, Van devoted his professional life to education. He served as principal at Huntington North High School for nearly 20 years. During his tenure, the school experienced remarkable academic growth and achievement, reflecting his strong commitment to excellence in education and student success. His leadership also supported the continued strength of the school's athletic programs, including state championship titles in girls' basketball and baseball.

Van was deeply involved in community service. As a member of the Huntington Rotary Club, he earned the organization's Distinguished Service Award and served as club president. In recognition of his contributions to education, he was honored as the Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP) State Principal of the Year in 2000.

His achievements in athletics were also recognized through his induction into the Huntington North High School Sports Hall of Fame and the Huntington Pal Club Hall of Fame. After retiring from education, Van enjoyed spending time at Lake Webster, where he remained active in community life and served as president of the Webster Lake Association. He was also a member of Saint Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Syracuse, Indiana.

Above all else, Van cherished his family. He was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose kindness, wisdom, and steady presence enriched the lives of those around him.

Van will be remembered for his dedication to students, his passion for athletics, his commitment to community service, and the lasting impact he made on generations of young people and colleagues. His legacy will live on through the many lives he touched.

Along with his wife, Judy, he is survived by two daughters, Kristin (Eric) May, Huntington, IN, Bridgette (Andy) Barker, Noblesville, IN; one stepdaughter, Michelle (Dan) Degnan, Westfield, IN; and three stepsons, Jon (Amy) Lippe, Claypool, IN, Chad (Jodi) Lippe, Huntington, IN, Jason (Ruth) Lippe, Carmel, IN. Van is also survived by one sister, Jane (David) Myers, Van Wert, OH; 18 grandchildren; Bryce, Liza (Jacob), Madelyn, Zach (Eve), Mandi, Josh, Charlie, Max, Sam, Danny, Michael (Aquaria), Nicholas (Lily), Scott, Stephania, Mia, Luke, Brooke (Dakota), and Blake (Makayla); and two great-grandchildren; Bennett and Sadie.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. with a Memorial Service beginning at 2:00 p.m. with Andy Barker officiating at McElhaney Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson Street, Huntington, IN, 46750.

A private burial will be at Gardens of Memory Cemetery, Marion, IN.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Van's memory to Dixie Sternwheeler, Inc., WLCA (Webster Lake Conservation Association) or donor's choice in care of McElhaney Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson Street, Huntington, IN.

McElhaney Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson St. Huntington, IN. is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences: www.mcelhaneyhartfuneralhome.com