Mr. Wilbert Bailey of Belleville, IL departed this
life at his residence surrounded by his family on
Saturday, July 17, 2010 at 2:45 P.M. He had attained
the age of 86 years, 11 months and 10 days.
Wilbert was born in St. Louis on August 7, 1923
the son of Elmer and Elsie (nee Bachschies) Bailey.
He was united in marriage to Clara Smugala in the Our
Lady of Perpetual Help Church at Posen, IL on
September 6,
1947 and she survives his passing.
Mr. Bailey was an over the road truck driver with
Roadway Express from 1952 until his retirement in
1988. He was a member of St. Henry’s Catholic Church
at Belleville and a member of the Knights of
Columbus. Wilbert was a life long fan of St. Louis
Cardinals Baseball and St. Louis Blues Hockey.
Left to mourn his passing is his wife, Clara of
Belleville; five children, Bernadine Case and husband
Michael of Belleville, Robert Bailey and wife Carla
of Nixa, MO, Carol Woesthaus and husband Rollie of
Belleville, Brenda Autrey and husband John of
Highlandville, MO and Michael Bailey and wife Leslie
of Beaufort, MO; one sister, Betty Wilson of St.
Charles, MO; 11 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren;
other relatives and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son,
William Bailey; and five brothers, Earl, Edwin,
Melvin, Jessie and Allen Bailey.
