Kenneth Bailey Obituary

Kenneth Eshom Bailey Sr., 97, of Oskaloosa, passed away on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka. He was born April 12, 1927 at Lawrence, KS, the son of Ralph W. and Ida Mae Eshom Bailey. He was a 1946 graduate of Liberty Memorial High School after proudly, serving as a Merchant Marine in the Pacific Theater during WWII from 1944 to 1945. In May 2022, Kenneth was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for his service in the Merchant Marines, the highest award by Congress to a civilian in the United States.

Kenneth worked at Lawrence Paper Company and served as Union Steward for 46 years, retiring in 1992. He also farmed and raised cattle in the Oskaloosa area from 1946 to 2001. He attended Williamstown Assembly of God Church and was a member of the Mid America Ancient Mariner's, American Legion Post #36 of Oskaloosa and he served 20 years on the Board of Directors of Leavenworth-Jefferson Electric Co-Op now Free State Electric. He was also a member of Kansas Farm Bureau. Kenneth enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing his guitars and singing gospel music.

He was married Earlene Johnston on March 1, 1948 at Topeka, She preceded him in death on March 17, 2017. He was also preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Alberta Lorene Risley and a granddaughter, Rochelle A.Vozar.

He is survived by one daughter, Debbie (John) Vensel, Butler, PA, two sons, Kenneth (Carla) Bailey, Jr., Dodge City, Tim (Marla) Bailey, Oskaloosa, 11 grandchildren nd 22 great-grandchildren.

Memorial Service 2:00 PM, Saturday, June 22, 2024, Visitation 1:00 to 2:00 PM before the Service at Barnett Family Funeral Home in Oskaloosa. Inurnment with American Legion Honors will be at Pleasant View Cemetery, Oskaloosa. Memorials suggested to Oskaloosa American Legion Post # 36 in care of the Funeral Home, P.O. Box 602, Oskaloosa, KS 66066