Lester Eugene Bailey

Lester Eugene "Gene" Bailey, 65 of Du Quoin, passed away at 12:20 A.M., Saturday, March 13, 2004 at the Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.
Gene was a retired Air Force veteran having served twenty one years of service. He was an insurance agent for Western-Southern Life Insurance Co. having worked ten years and retiring in 1992, he then worked for Gilster-MaryLee Co. for six years retiring in 1998.
He was a member of the Paradise Baptist Church at Tamaroa. He served in the US Air Force during the Viet Nam War retiring as a TSGT. His twenty one years of service include duty in, Germany, North Africa, Turkey, France, Vietnam, Korea, Arizona, Washington State, Colorado, California, Nebraska, Illinois and Arizona. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Expeditionary Medal, Viet Nam Service Medal, RVN Medal, Strategic Air Command (SA) Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Seven Air Force Good Conduct Medals, and National Defense Service Medal.
He was born August 30, 1938 at Sunfield, IL, the son of Lester L. and Viola (Haycraft) Bailey.
He married Beverly Jean Buttry on November 24, 1979 at Du Quoin, IL and she survives.
He is survived by his wife of Du Quoin, two daughters - Samantha Boomer and Jean Bailey, both of Du Quoin, one sister - Beverly Small of Massachusetts and two grandchildren - Viola Bailey and Kristopher Boomer.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister - Barbara Roach.
Funeral services were at 1:00 P.M., Tuesday, March 16, 2004 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Rev. Bert Mitchell officiating.
Friends called from 5 to 8 P.M., Monday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.
Interment was in the Sunset Memorial Park at Du Quoin.
Military graveside rites were be conducted.
