05/05/2020
Marion George Bailey was born on August 28, 1934, near Knoxville, Iowa. The son of Charles and Millie (Kingery) Bailey, his parents lived at the bottom of the hill near the Coal Ridge Church in Marion County, Iowa.
Marion graduated from Knoxville High School in Knoxville with the Class of 1953. During high school he met Arvilia Anna Harvey who was infatuated with his 1956 Maroon/White Chevrolet.
Marion and Arvilia were married in December, 1957, in Knoxville and to this union two daughters were born: Lynnette and Melissa.
Marion’s first employment was with Marion County Produce followed by the Maytag Company in Newton, Iowa. That employment abruptly ended shortly after he had enlisted in the Army National Guard in Knoxville in November, 1957.
Following his six months active duty he became employed as a custodian at the Marion County Courthouse. Marion worked there for 38 years and in the early years of his employment there he would shovel one ton of coal a day in order to keep the workers physically comfortable.
Marion enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, scramble, and in later years computer games, especially many versions of solitaire. He appreciated Western movies, reading Louis Lamour books, and coloring books late in life. Marion became a collector of caps and model cars, and most recently enjoyed attending garage sales with Arvilia where he would add items to his collections.
In July Marion became a resident at the West Ridge Nursing & Rehab Center in Knoxville and passed away on May 5, 2020, on arrival at the Knoxville Hospital & Clinics at the age of 85 years.
Marion leaves his wife, Arvilia, with whom he enjoyed 62 years of marriage; their two daughters and their husbands: Lynnette and Richard Clark of Belmond, Iowa, Melissa and Ray Elko of Fremont, Iowa; two grandsons: Steven Clark and Dalton Clark; two brothers: Jim Bailey and his wife, Jackie, of Knoxville, Marvin Bailey and his wife, Lorraine of Iowa City, Iowa ; and a sister-in-law, Phyllis (Ted) Harvey of Knoxville.
Marion was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Millie Bailey; his sister, Lena Mae (Nelson) Lambert; a brother, Harold Bailey; and his parents-in-law, Lorin Samuel and Alta Marie (Smith) Harvey.
Marion was attending the New Covenant Church in Knoxville, Iowa.
A FAMILY SERVICE WITH MILITARY HONORS WILL BE HELD FRIDAY, MAY 8, AT 10:30 AM AT WILLIAMS FUNERAL HOME IN KNOXVILLE.
INTERMENT WILL FOLLOW IN THE GREENWOOD CEMETERY AT KNOXVILLE.
VISITATION WILL BE THURSDAY, MAY 7, FROM 4:00 TO 6:00 PM AT WILLIAMS FUNERAL HOME IN KNOXVILLE.
MEMORIAL CONTRIBTIONS ARE SUGGESTED FOR NEW COVENANT CHURCH OR FOR KNOXVILLE SENIOR CENTER MEALS.
WILLIAMS FUNERAL HOME IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS.