Forrest Berdett Bailey Obituary (1923 - 2020)

Forrest Berdett Bailey, 97, of Pana left this life for Heaven on Friday, May 8, 2020. He was born February 26, 1923, in Clay County, Illinois, son of the late Forrest Bailey & Jenny Myrtle (Potts) Bailey. Forrest graduated from Louisville Community High School in 1942. He learned to weld and worked until he was called to serve his country in the army. Forrest married Iris Genell Pursell on February 19, 1944 in Belton, Texas. They lived in California while Forrest finished military training. He served in the 672nd Amphibian Tractor Battalion in the Philippines. The 672nd was instrumental in rescuing Japanese prisoners from the Los Banos internment camp on February 23, 1945. In 2011 they were awarded a unit citation for their part in the rescue behind enemy lines. After his army discharge, Forrest was employed at, what was then, A. E. Staley Co. in Decatur, Illinois, a job he held for more than 30 years. For most of his life here in Pana, Forrest has been an active member of First Baptist Church. In retirement Forrest and Iris enjoyed their family and travel, especially to Colorado. Forrest is survived by his wife of 76 years, Iris, son Phil (Pat) Bailey, son Mark (Denise) Bailey, daughter Karen (Terry) Lush, daughter Rebecca (Steve) Hoffman, daughter Lisa (Morris) Hubbartt, daughter-in-law Peggy Bailey. The couple have 14 Grandchildren and 31 Great Grandchildren. Also surviving are brothers Clifford (Joann) Bailey, Ralph (Charlene) Bailey, and sister Eilene Green. Forrest was preceded in death by son Ronald Bailey; Granddaughter Shelley Bailey; three brothers Lloyd, Arden, and Leon Bailey; and one sister CoeDell Hilligoss. Private graveside services for Forrest will be held on Monday, May 11, 2020 in McCoy Cemetery with Pastor Nathaniel Kealen and Pastor Adam Hubbartt co-officiating. Memorials in Forrest's honor may be made to First Baptist Church, 114 Maple St., Pana, IL 62557, and will be accepted by McCracken-Dean Funeral Home who is assisting the family.