Lester Earl Bailey

Lester E. Bailey, 92, of Clyde Park, Montana passed away on Monday, February 1st, 2016 at the Livingston Health and Rehabilitation Center in Livingston. He was a lifelong long resident of the area. A viewing will be held on Friday, February 12th from 3-6 P.M. and one hour prior to the service. A celebration of Lesters life will be on Saturday, February 13th, 11:00 A.M. at the Franzen-Davis Chapel, 118 North 3rd Street; Livingston. The service will be followed by graveside committal and burial at the Clyde Park Cemetery with Veterans Honors provided by Park Post #23 American Legion and Active Duty Army Honors Team. A reception will follow the burial at the Shields Valley Community Center in Clyde Park. Les was born August 26, 1923 at the Eyman homestead near Chadbourne, Montana, the son of Harold Ray Bailey and Mary Catherine Eyman Bailey. He was fourth of seven children. Les graduated from Clyde Park High School in 1941. He joined the US Army in 1944 and served in the European Theatre. He was wounded in action in the fall of 1944 in France and spent the next few months in England recuperating. He was able to visit his older brother, Ray, who was stationed in England. He traveled to and from the war on the Queen Mary. He was awarded a Purple Heart. After the war, he returned to Park County. Les worked as a ranch hand for 27 years in Park, Gallatin and Sweetgrass counties. He, also, worked for a couple years for McLees Sheet Metal and Roofing. He retired in 1974. Les loved to ride horses and help family and neighbors work cattle. His favorite horse, Chief, was his joy. He enjoyed spending time with family at small or large get-togethers, and was seen daily drinking coffee with friends around town. On May 3,1952, he married Lois Richardson in Livingston, MT. She preceded him in death on May 30, 2006. He is survived by his children, Diane G.Campanella (Rob), Wamego, KS, Lester Jay Bailey (Shelley) rural Livingston, Todd Ray Bailey (Shelly), Livingston, Lori Kaye Sarrazin (Bill), Clyde Park, and Lt. Col Brad Clay Bailey (Michelle), Long Beach, California; grandchildren, Joshua Bailey, David Campanella (Nichole), DustyDawn Bailey (Jay), Nicholas Campanella (Amanda), Jason Bailey (Amber), Zachary Sarrazin (Bridget), Elizabeth Helgeson (Josh), Kira Jerke (Nick), Nathan Sarrazin, Laura Homan (Dustin), Matthew Sarrazin, Ethan Bailey and Madison Bailey; great grandchildren, Chandler Miesaloski, Clayton Miesaloski, Kyle Jerke, Asha Jerke, Stetson Bailey, Weston Bailey, Siara Bailey, Madeleine Campanella, Damyon Oyler, Mia Bailey, Bailey Helgeson, Lydia Campanella and Greyson Sarrazin; step-grandchildren, Brooke and Evan Smith; brothers, Kenny Bailey, Billings and Everrett Bailey (Joyce), Clyde Park and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was, also, preceded in death by his parents; grandson, James Bailey; siblings, Ray Bailey, Ellen McLees, Juanita Poyser, and John Bailey. The family suggests memorial contributions to Clyde Park Playground Equipment, PO Box 177, Clyde Park, MT 59018; or the donors choice of charity. Arrangements are under the direction of Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory in Livingston.