Charles Bailey

Charles L. "Chuck" Bailey, 79, a lifelong Atlantic, Iowa resident, passed away Sunday, April 1, 2007 at the Atlantic Nursing and Rehab Center in Atlantic.

Charles Lindberg Bailey was born June 30, 1927 in Atlantic, Iowa, the son of Merritt Eugene and Clara Mae (Richardson) Bailey.

Chuck attended Atlantic schools and graduated from the Atlantic High School.

He served his country in the U.S. Navy Seabees during WWII, from July 1, 1944 until October 1947, with time spent on the Quadjaleen Island of the Marshall Islands. After his discharge, Chuck was in the National Guard for 18 ½ years.

After his time in the Navy, he returned to Atlantic and on July 25, 1948, Chuck married Mavis M. Porter at the Atlantic Methodist Church.

Chuck was a dragline operator for various construction companies until an accident in 1968 led to his disability retirement.

He was an active member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Atlantic, where during his earlier years, he held many offices. In his later years, Chuck remained active in The Golden Years at Zion.

Chuck was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #43, the Amvets Post # 1, the V.F.W. Post # 3415, and the DAV Atlantic Post #36. He was a past commander of the Amvets and the American Legion.

Chuck was the chairperson of the annual Memorial Day services at the Atlantic Cemetery for over 30 years.

Mavis and Chuck loved to dance and were great horse enthusiasts.

He is survived by his daughter, Cathie Littlefield and her husband, Leroy of Strawberry Point, Iowa; two sons, Rick Bailey his significant-other, Jacque Murphy of West Liberty, Iowa, Hugh M. "Rusty" Bailey of Council Bluffs, Iowa; three grandchildren, Tamera Jones and her husband, Doug of Wathena, Kansas, Allen Littlefield and his wife, Jennifer of Dunkerton, Iowa, and Tiffney Lynn Bailey and her fiancé, Aaron Schofield of Galesburg, Illinois; six great-grandchildren, Emily and Riley Jones, both of Wathena, Kansas, Alivia and Claire Littlefield, Grace and Carter Chrisman, all of Dunkerton, Iowa; his brother, Thomas Bailey and his wife, Betty of Goodyear, Arizona; his sister, Doris Jane Greve of Chevy Chase, Maryland; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Merritt Blake and Clara Richardson Bailey Greve; his wife of 57 years, Mavis; two brothers, Merritt and Robert Bailey.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, April 5, 2007 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Atlantic with the Reverend Ken Davidson officiating.

Public visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. A prayer service will be held at 6:00 p.m. conducted by Pastor Leon Hodges, followed by visitation with the family at Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic.

Committal services and interment will be in the Atlantic Cemetery with Military Graveside Rites conducted by the Atlantic Color Guard. Fellowship and lunch will follow in the fellowship hall at Zion Lutheran Church.

Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic is assisting the Bailey family.