Keith BAILEY

BAILEY, DURHAM, ELLINGSTON

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 9/24/2014 at 18:34:39

October 9, 1920 --- July 3, 2014

Keith Bailey, a Tacoma resident for 75 years, passed away July 3, 2014. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years, Virgil June Bailey and brother H. Kenneth Bailey. He is survived by son Michael of Tacoma, daughter Miriam and husband Bill Durham of Gig Harbor and brother Floyd A. Bailey of Lakewood, WA. Born October 9, 1920 in Belmond, IA to parents Floyd A. and Adelaide J. Bailey. Keith and Virgil June Ellingston were married on October 29, 1939 in Belmond, IA and they celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary together. Keith was a member of the 473rd regiment, 5th army in Italy during World War II, earning 4 battle stars. He was honorably discharged in 1946. He worked as a clerical organizer for Boeing Aircraft, Wichita Division. A purchasing agent for Kelley- Farquhar, frozen and canned goods in Tacoma. An emergency farm labor program supervisor for Washington State College. In 1954 Keith was setting records in men's clothing sales at Rhodes in Tacoma. On August 5, 1966 he opened the Men's Suit Department for Nordstrom on the Tacoma Mall where he became a charter member in Nordstrom's Pacesetters Club and surpassed a personal goal of servicing over 10,000 individual customers. He retired successfully from Nordstrom's in 1982. He was a 60 year member of the Mason United Methodist Church, The Society of Mayflower Decedent's and the Washington State Dahlia Society. He raised dahlias for over 35 years. Keith also enjoyed fishing, golfing, gardening, singing and pursuing genealogy. Our Dad's strong optimism thru life gave everyone around him much love, encouragement and support. We embrace his strength and his great love and passion for life. He gave us so much. He often told us "whatever path you travel in life, remember, never lose your spirit!" Thanks Dad, for those wonderful words of wisdom. He told us that is why he lived to be 93! There will never be another person like you Dad.... you are our Angel. Mom is so glad to see you again! Be happy and your spirit will live on. We all are so proud of you. My life is full of love and goodness, thanks to both of my parents. You are my heart. We will all miss you and embrace the day that we can be together again. Love, Sam. Burial will be at Mountain View Cemetery, Lakewood, WA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any contributions in Keith's name be made to the Diabetes Association.

News Tribune -- Tacoma, WA
July 8, 2014