Ivan L. Bailey

Ivan L. Bailey, 83, passed away on Thursday, September 9, 2010 at Hickory Creek Nursing Home in Greensburg. Farmer, businessman, historian, recycler, practical joker and champion of the eccentric, and veteran of WWII, Ivan, son of Lloyd Bailey and F. Varble Reed, was born in Adams Township in Decatur County Indiana on November 30, 1926. Saved by a wet nurse at Germantown, saved from drowning and by baptism in Flatrock, saved from a ball bat at Locust Grove, and by the love of a 16 year old girl, Ivan went on to become a great saver of paint, clothing, old cars, lumber, roofing, recollections, energy packs, lawn mowers, bikes, tools, photos, and books. Love and loyalty are usually measured by what we do for others, but Ivan's life was rich in what others did for him; though he did not participate in organized religion, he was somehow able to elicit Christian reactions from his community of neighbors and friends; tolerance and patience from those who lived nearby his E. Main St. residence; decades of generous automotive expertise from local businesses and friends; the healing powers of numerous doctors; loyalty and compassion from several pharmacists; and hospitality from the crews of restaurants, stockyards, and the hospital E.R. to name only a few. Ivan was a man of the community. His home was wherever the next place could be found to share an anecdote and learn the news of the day. He is survived by Jessie Clark Bailey, Rod Bailey (brother), Pat Steen (sister), Stephen (Candi) and David (Ramona) Bailey (sons), Anne (Steve) Johnson and Mary Beth (Tom) Schroeder (daughters), eleven grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins including a special friendship with nephews Mark and Larry Bailey. Condolences and respects to the family may be made from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 12, 2010 in the Kemble Room of the Greensburg United Methodist Church. Private services for the family will follow at 4:00 p.m.