Ford J. Bailey

Ford J. Bailey, age 79 of North Springfield, Pa., died peacefully on Tuesday morning, March 17, 2015 at St. Vincent Health Center, Erie, Pa.

Ford was born on August 30, 1935 in Meadville, Pa., the son of the late Ford M. and Nancy E. (Robbins) Bailey.  He entered the U.S. Navy in 1956 and proudly served on the U.S.S. Newport News ship.  Ever since his departure from the Navy in 1962, he has faithfully kept in contact with his shipmates and attended many reunions.  Ford was very proud to have served for our Government in the Navy. 

He retired after 32 years of working at the Foseco Foundry in Conneaut, Ohio as a molder.  He was a member of the West Springfield VFW #4965, the Albion Sportsman’s Club, an active member of the Hayfield Grange in Crawford County.  Ford enjoyed bowling.  He was an active bowler with many leagues in the area; such as, Lake City Lanes, El Camp, and Kings Lanes.  He also enjoyed dirt-track racing with his grandsons, A. J. and Michael, fishing, and was an avid fan of all the Pittburgh sports, The Penguins, Steelers, and the Pirates.  He loved all those sports.

Besides his parents, Ford is predeceased by his wife, Jean A. Fralic Bailey on November 23, 2006.  They were happily married for 44 years.  Also, a daughter, Gail Bailey and a brother, Francis Bailey.

He is survived by his two sons; Mark A. Bailey of Conneaut, Oh., and Greg J. Bailey of Erie, Pa.; a brother, Joseph Bailey also of Erie, Pa., and two grandsons:  Michael and A.J. Bailey.  There are also several nieces and nephews.

Friends of the family are invited to call at the Jean Evans Thompson Funeral Home at 11883 Main Street, East Springfield, Pa., on Friday, March 20, 2015 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.  There will be a service by the VFW Post #4965 at 7 p.m. A Life Celebration Service will be held on Saturday, at 11 a.m. with Pastors, Ken Thompson and Andrew Shields of the West Springfield Baptist Church.  Burial will follow at the Springfield Cemetery with Military Honors. 

Memorial Donations may be made in Memory of Ford to the Springfield Volunteer Fire Dept., P.O. Box 79, East Springfield, PA 16411.