Dr. Eldon Bailey

Eldon Bailey Obituary

Dr. Eldon Bailey, 76, of Midland, died Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007, at his home.

He was born on Nov. 16, 1931, in Midland, to the late Lenwood and Eleanor (Chase) Bailey. He graduated from Midland High School in 1950, attended Alma College and then graduated from the University of Michigan Dental School in 1957. He then practiced dentistry in Midland for 49 1/2 years, retiring due to health reasons in January of 2007.

During his years in Midland Dr. Bailey was active in scouting. He was awarded the "Young Man of the Year" in 1964. He was active in service organizations such as the Kiwanis Club and was an elder at the First Presbyterian Church. During his years as a dentist, Dr. Bailey was elected president of the Saginaw Valley Public Health Association in 1963. In 1969 he was elected to the Board of Governors at the University of Michigan Dental School. From 1973 to 1983 he was on the board of trustees for the Michigan Dental Association.

He felt his greatest achievement in dentistry was spearheading a referendum in the state government that allowed fluoride in public drinking water. This opened the way for Midland and Saginaw to add fluoride to its systems, which has prevented and saved thousands of cavities and teeth,

He is survived by his five sons, Bill, Brent, Brian, Ben and Jon, three of which followed him into dentistry. He was blessed with two exceptional women as past wives, Judy Bailey and Katie Groulx. He is also survived by his sisters, Aloma Fortinberry and Linda Alderton; and his brothers, Calvin (Kelly), James and Daniel. In addition to his parents, Dr. Bailey was preceded in death by his brothers, Monte "Slug" and Lenwood "Nelt".

Eldon was embraced with the Holy Spirit every minute of his life and will live eternally through Jesus Christ.

A memorial service will be held Friday, Dec. 21, 2007, 1 p.m. at the Christian Celebration Center, 6100 Swede Ave., on the corner of Wackerly and Swede in Midland. Pastor Joel Stocker will officiate. A private burial will follow in the Midland Cemetery.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider Southern Care Hospice.

The Smith-Miner Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. There will be no visitation at the funeral home.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Midland Daily News from Dec. 3 to Dec. 4, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Eldon Bailey

11 Entries

Sheryl Slagle

December 7, 2007

To the family a short story. My now 14 year old went to Dr. Bailey for many years. We went there for her 3 year old field trip in preschool, and she feel in love. NOW this was a child up until this time was being given pills before ever making it to the dentist office. After meeting DR.B) and his staff this same child would go running into the office right over to his staff and say (I'M here now). Even though she is seeing Tessa now. She would still go over to see Dr. Bailey's Staff. Thank You so much for making one mom's life easier with your warm smile and gentle hands. You will be missed by my family.

Amy Samborn

December 7, 2007

I want to express my sympathy to the family of Dr. Bailey. I am a past patient of both Dr. Eldon Bailey and Dr. Brian Bailey both of whom gave me my first glimpse into the world of Dentistry. In part because of them I am now a practicing Dental Hygienist. Thank you!!!! My prayers are with Dr. Bailey's family in this your time for mourning. God Bless and remember you will all be together again someday.

Sally Little Waterman

December 6, 2007

Eldon was a dear friend many years ago. He was full of laughter, great stories and many jokes. We were all young married couples who "grew up" together. It has been many years since I last saw Eldon but I have thought of him often with fond memories. I am glad that he did not have to suffer any longer than he did. His family was also part of my life and I hope that they are all able to believe that Eldon has found peace.
Sally Little Wateran

Susan Halm

December 5, 2007

I'm sad tonight. A great man has died. Eldon was my very first employer. He hired me fresh out of college to work in his dental practice. I was the lowest of the low - a roving dental assistant. That meant I was to "rove" around and clean up everyone else's messes. But I was never happier. Eldon was the most prominent dentist in the state of Michigan. People came from all over the state to have him complete their full mouth reconstructions. I was honored to work with him, in whatever capacity. I worked for Eldon for over 10 years. During that time I learned much about dentistry and even more about life. He taught me to appreciate a good cup of coffee (those 7 AM staff meetings were a killer!). He taught me to reach for the stars (my first position in the ADAA at the state level was at his encouragement). He taught me that even the worst of days could end well (cold duck with the staff at 7 PM after a killer day!). He taught me to dig deep and experience the unexpected (okay, calamari is a fancy word for octopus, but try it, you'll like it). Even when I was offered opportunities elsewhere, he supported me, in whatever I chose to do, because my best interests were always a priority to him. I am glad that I called him to let him to let him know how important he was to the creation of "ME". Thank you, Eldon. I pray that you are at peace. You lived a great life! -

Paul Noble

December 4, 2007

My sympathy to Eldon's family. I met Eldon through my son, Kevin Noble during my visits to Midland.I am always encouraged by men like Eldon who are not afraid to speak boldly of our Lord Jesus Christ.I pray he is at peace with our Lord, and one day we will meet again.

Kevin Noble

December 4, 2007

Dear Bailey Family,

You have my deepest sympathy for your loss. Eldon was a true friend whom God used to touch my life in a very significant way. He consistently encouraged me in the faith and in being an authentic Christ-follower. He loved and pursued God more than anyone I have ever met, he loved his brothers and sisters in Christ, and he loved his family deeply. I am sorry for your loss, but I take comfort in the fact that Eldon is in the presence of our Lord where he is known fully, loved perfectly, and accepted completely.

Nancy Gorton

December 4, 2007

Jon, It is with great sadness that I learned about the death of your father. Many new of him and his passion for the Lord. My deepest sympathy to you and your family as you mourn his loss but celebrate his life.

TRINA TOBIAS

December 4, 2007

HI DR BAILEY FAMILY, I'm a cousin to Dr. Bailey he was a wonderful denist. I remember as a child Dr. Bailey, coming to the chase reunions and he always had a smile on his face. He always had that smile and always explained everything he was doing. I always looked foreward to to seeing him. My parents also had him as their denist. I also remember the day my oldest child went to him she was scared. But he made her feel good when he took her picture and hung it on his board everytime when she came there. Dr. Bailey will be deeply missed.

John and Lynn Ahrens

December 3, 2007

We’re so sorry to hear about Eldon. He was an exceptional dentist who worked wonders. More than that, he was a very dear friend who loved the Lord with all his heart and had so much to offer.
Eldon truly inspired most everyone with his brilliancy. He could sit with you for hours and never tire of expounding stories, quotes, and “numbers.”
What a joy it must be for him now to be totally pain free. The Angels in Heaven must also be rejoicing to have him there.
And...instead of trying to converse with folks like us who, next to him, seemed most incomparable, Eldon can now actually sit with those who understand everything he is saying (smiling).
We loved him so very dearly and will miss him. Eldon definitely touched many lives, and we will always treasure his friendship.

Brent Bailey

December 3, 2007

Hello Friends,

Eldon was a man passionate for the Lord. Few men really dedicate themselves to the Lord and thus pass up the eternal gift Christ came to give us. Christ came so that we might have life and have it more abundantly. Eldon knew this and now he is experiencing the fullest extent of it in God's kingdom. I look forward to seeing him again in our eternal home.

Eldon's son,
Brent

Jan Dennett

December 3, 2007

Eldon was an up-front Christian who would take a minute to pray with anyone who showed a need, even while he worked. He was an example of a witness who will be remembered for his faith in God. I miss him, as will my family.

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