Robert L. Bailey
Bob was united in marriage in January, 1970 to Joyce Kilb, the mother of his daughter, Jessica. He was then united in marriage in October, 1976 to Deborah Dieden who proceeded him in death in July, 1999. He was later united in marriage in June, 2016 to Christine Brunswick Paulan, and they have spent several extremely happy years together. Bob was a Veteran of the United States Airforce having served during the war in Vietnam.
Mr. Bailey attended Harvest Chapel in Sandwich, IL. He retired from Northlake IL fire department 17 years ago. He had an amazing full life. In his high school years, Bob won medals as a wrestler and track star, and as a member of the prestigious General Clinton Canoe Regatta. Right out of high school he became a volunteer firefighter in Ouaquaga, NY, and a proud meat cutter before enlisting in the US Air Force and serving in Thailand working on B52 bombers during the Vietnam war. He was an avid outdoorsman and dearly loved fishing, ice fishing, hunting and cooking. Bob was the camp cook for Burke Ranch Outfitters elk hunting camp (archery season) in Glasgow, MT every year for 15 years and absolutely loved every minute of it. He also loved taking the wounded vets fishing every year and was part of the EMS team for Chicago Speedway for many years. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle who will be deeply missed by his family and many friends.
Robert is survived by his wife Christine Paulan Bailey, his daughter Jessica (Richard) Harris of Chandler, AZ, and his stepsons Antonio (Irene) Alaniz of San Jose, CA, Michael (Jacqueline) Alaniz, and Adam Alaniz both of Sandwich, IL; his grandchildren, Cheyenne and Sierra Harris, and Ian and Elysse Alaniz; his brothers Mark (Teresa) Bailey of Windsor, NY, Jeffery (Mary) Bailey of Lakeland, FL; several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Deborah Bailey, and his sister and brother-in-law, Sharon and Al Mangione.
A celebration of Bob’s life will be held May 16, 2021, at the Lake Holiday Lodge, Somonauk, IL, with a fishing tournament in Bob’s memory and a graveside service with full military honors. More information will be posted at a later date.
Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Homes & Crematory, www.NelsonFuneralHomes.com or (815) 786-3362.
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