Melvin Bailey

Melvin E. Bailey, 88, Topeka, died Wednesday, May 25, 2005 at his home after an extended illness related to heart failure. He was born May 18, 1917 in rural Sabetha, KS the son of F.M. and Olive May Moats Bailey. He graduated from Morrill High School and received his undergraduate and graduate degrees in education from Kansas State Teachers College. He also earned a specialist degree in education from the University of Illinois, Chicago. He served as a civil defense air warden during World War II. He was a lifelong educator and public school administrator. He began his career teaching eight grades at the Clover Hill Country School near Whiting, KS in 1938. He subsequently taught at the elementary school in Whiting, KS, Scott City, KS and Stafford, KS and was principal at elementary schools in Garden City, KS, Prairie Village, KS and Park Forest, IL. He moved to Topeka, KS in 1962 as principal of Eisenhower Jr. High School and completed his forty plus year career in public education as Vice Principal at Highland Park High School. He retired from USD 501 in 1980. After his retirement he continued as a tutor for Highland Park High School students.
He married Alfreda Marie Owen on August 28, 1938 at her parent's home in rural Emporia, KS. She preceded him in death in 1985. Also preceding him in death was an infant daughter Judith Kay born in 1944. He married Lois Burkett on October 24, 1987 in Topeka, KS. She survives.
Other survivors include a son, Fred Bailey Alameda, CA; a daughter Terry Dianne and her husband Bob Bernatis of rural Soldier, KS; a daughter, Debra Sue and her husband Bill Brown of rural Soldier, KS; two grandchildren, Eric Watts and wife Cheryl of Great Bend, KS; and Jennifer Bernatis of Las Vegas, NV; a brother, Lester Bailey of Sabetha, KS; a brother Carol Bailey and his wife Neva of Morrill, KS; a sister, Lila Eisenbise and her husband Bill of rural Morrill, KS; a brother, Harlan Bailey and his wife Virginia of rural Morrill, KS; a step-son, Bryce Burkett and his wife Kathleen of Charlotte, NC; a step-son Niles Burkett and his wife Julie and step-grandchildren Tara, Bryan and Mitchell of Overland Park, KS; fifteen beloved nieces and nephews, their spouses and children; and the many children he had the privilege of knowing and guiding through their elementary and secondary educations.
He was an active participant of the churches he was a member of during his life. He was a deacon at First Christian Church in Prairie Village, KS and the Rochester Community Church of the Brethren in Topeka, KS. He was a church council member and Treasurer of the Rochester Community Church of the Brethren. He praised his Lord by singing tenor in the church choirs in Morrill, Garden City, Prairie Village, and Topeka, KS and Park Forest, Ill. and by singing at many of his nieces and nephews weddings. He was recruited to sing in the choir at the First United Methodist Church in Topeka. He and his wife Lois participated in the Lunch Bunch and Dinner's for Eight at the First United Methodist Church and many other church related activities.
He was an active member of local Topeka Kiwanis Clubs until failing health prevented his participation. He held elected offices in several of the clubs. He was past treasurer of the Topeka Retired Teachers Association and was past President of the Kansas Elementary Principals Association. He became certified to help retired people with their income taxes. He taught woodworking and made many beautiful handcrafted gifts for his friends and family. He was a 32nd degree Blue Lodge Mason. He an Lois traveled extensively.
A memorial service will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 3, 2005 at First United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends at the church after memorial service.Private inurnment will be in Morrill Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church 600 SW Topeka Blvd. Topeka, KS 66603.
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