John Bailey

John "Jack" Bailey Mr. "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, March 10th, 2015 Jack was born 7/17/1917 in Anderson IN. Even his birthdate had character. His parents Ruth Buck Bailey and Robert W Bailey had three other children, Robert W. Bailey, Martha Ann Bailey Maxwell and Albert Lee Bailey, all deceased. Growing up in Anderson Jack was surrounded by extended family and many dear friends. At an early age he loved model trains, his dog, horses and eventually cars. Jack graduated from Anderson High School and attended the only university he ever considered, his beloved Purdue. Jack bled black and gold and Purdue football tailgate parties were always a must in the fall. He was a proud member of Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity and remained an active alum. After college graduation, WWII was unfolding in the Pacific and Europe. Jack wanted to serve his country but due to issues with eyesight, he was unable enlist. Instead he supported the war effort by first working at Wright Patterson Air Force Base and then a long and distinguished 40-year career at Detroit Diesel Allison eventually becoming director of data processing. In the early 50's, he met and married Marianne McDonald. Together they had two children and were longtime residents of Pike Township. A huge highlight every fall was the annual neighborhood Halloween Hayride. With an old Studebaker hay wagon, and a Ford tractor, Jack pulled the neighborhood children from house to house. It was an event that still lingers in the memories of children who grew up in "The Orchard". Jack really never retired. After leaving Allison, he became a consultant for the City of Indianapolis for a data processing project. He also worked with Junior Achievement and many civic organizations. Another favorite pastime was golf. For his 90th birthday he celebrated by playing 18 holes with family and friends. In 1989 Jack lost the first love of his life, Marianne Bailey. As the weeks and months passed Jack was not at a loss for company and happily reconnected with a past friend, Janie Lou Mueller. A year later they were married. Janie Lou and Jack had many happy years together spending winters in Sanibel and traveling to the South West, enjoying their children, grandchildren and recently great-grandchildren. Jack continued to use his engineering talents and over the years he rebuilt several antique cars (that he actually let his children drive!). His crowning achievement was rebuilding a Piper Cub in his garage. At the tender age of 80 he passed his physical to fly, reactivated his pilots license and was off! He would fly into local airports, talk shop with the airport staff, sample the local pies and fly back to Indianapolis. Jack was a pillar to his beloved family, him dear friends, his faith, and his community. Many, many people will sorely miss him Janie Lou survies Jack. Other family include children Beth Bailey (Duck) McIntire and Peter Bailey (deceased), Lynne Sweeney, John Mueller(Pam), Julie Mueller and Sally (Tom)Schaidhammer Grandchildren-Libby McIntire, Alex McIntire, Katherine McIntire, Ian McIntire, Andrew Sweeney (Kristen) Stephanie Commons (Josh), Christopher Mueller Joe Schaidhammer and Sam Schaidhammer along with three great grandchildren Nephews Bill (Sylvia) Bailey, Rob (Michaela) Bailey, Jim (Anne) Bailey, Bob Maxwell, Dann Bailey and nieces Anne Maxwell Fisher (deceased) and CiCi Bailey Civic involvement Eagle Creek Sailing Club (second commodore) Eagle Creek Park Foundation, Eagle Creek Park Board, one of the founding members of the Eagle Creek Park and Lake Residents Association Pike Township Residents Association, Pike PTA, Eiteljorg Museum, Junior Achievement, He as a past member of Bethel United Methodist Church and a current member of Meridian Street United Methodist Church In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Eagle Creek Park Foundation in Jacks honor.