Frank E. Bailey

Frank E. Bailey, 89, died February 25, 2017 in Pratt, KS. He was born July 11, 1927 in Wilmore, KS. the son of Frank and Blanche (Lawson) Bailey.

Frank is survived by a son Steven, three daughters Mara Gill, LeAnna Holguin, and Beverly Paradis, 24 grandchildren and 41 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren.

Frank married Barbara March 30, 1952 and though they had their struggles, they persevered in marriage and life to see 54 years of marriage before her passing on December 9, 2006.

Frank and Barbara Bailey moved to Lewis from Jetmore in 1962 to work for Thoran Gatterman on his family farm though the position was only 2 years, with the tragic passing of his boss from cancer.  He had a short stint at Cross Manufacturing before accepting a position as Lewis City Superintendent.

Frank was Lewis City Superintendent from 1965 until his retirement in 1992.  He took pride in making the town beautiful; he loved Lewis and his job.  He enjoyed having his family help him as he checked water meters and took care of the local park.  His children and grandchildren have fond memories of spending time with him on his Wegele 3 wheeled mower.

An avid fisherman, his favorite fishing pond was south of Lewis on Dean Jarvis’ farm where he and his boys went out fishing a lot.  Nearly every Saturday he would take the boys to a local pond south of Haviland and fish during the morning then go to Coldwater and clean up his mother’s and his brother Bill’s place then head back to the pond for a final round of fishing before going home for the night.  The boys have wonderful memories of this weekend ritual.

He loved baseball and especially coaching little league baseball. The girls remember running the concessions stand out of the back of the station wagon throughout the summer.  The whole family was involved in this adventure as Barbara ordered candy and collected money while Jim and Steve played in the games.

In 1984 he conquered his addiction to alcohol by making a commitment to God and his family.  This began a new chapter in his life in which he was dedicated to helping others find the strength to find sobriety through accountability. His book and Bible would remain by his chair for the next 33 years giving him strength and guidance until his passing into Glory.

He and Barbara enjoyed many vacations and adventures throughout the years, about which he loved to reminisce.  He loved his family and enjoyed family gatherings and looked forward to every time the family would visit whether it was a great grandchild or the whole family.  You could count on a hug from grandpa both coming and going, even a teary eyed “I love you” as he watched you drive away.

On Saturday February 25th at 7:43 pm our beloved dad and grandfather passed into Glory surrounded by love as his children and many of his grandchildren/great-grandchildren were gathered in the room to make sure he knew they loved him.  The last words he heard whispered in his ear as he breathed his last breaths were “You are loved.”

We love you and miss you so much.