Fredrick “Fred” Clyde Bailey 78, of Galesburg, passed away peacefully Friday, January 18, 2019 with his family by his side. Fred was born on July 26, 1940, in Berwick, the son of Clyde and Mildred (Seckman) Bailey. He married Gerry Crisman. He later married Nancy Clutts Kirchgessner on October 9, 1981. She survives. Also surviving are his children, Jeff (and Kathy) Bailey of Richmond, KY, Linda Harkness and Brian Bailey of Galesburg IL and his stepchildren Greg (and Beth) Kirchgessner of Abingdon IL and Gayla (and Dan) Hicks of Galesburg; four grandsons, Joshua (and Ali) Bailey, Michael (and Beth) Bailey, Tyler Derry and Joe Hicks, four granddaughters, Rachel (and Jesse) Mettille, Cara (and Phillip) Wolford, Alyssa Bailey, Lily Hicks and Mary Hicks and 7 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Jodell Simmons and a great-nephew. Fred graduated from Avon High School in 1958 and studied telegraphy in Kansas City, MO. Fred worked for Santa Fe railroad and Gates Rubber Company before beginning his career in construction. He first worked for C Iber & Sons of Peoria in 1974 and then retired from Leander Construction in 2003. He was a 50-year member of the Galesburg Motorcycle club and served as treasurer for over 25 years. Fred loved to ride his motorcycle with trips to Sturgis and all across the US from California to Niagara Falls. He loved having a cold Pabst Blue Ribbon. He enjoyed working outside around the house; especially in the garden and set up a Christmas light display for the grandkids.
Cremation will be accorded. A celebration of life will be scheduled in March. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Abingdon Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorial may be made to OSF St. Francis Children’s Hospital or Guardian Angels Humane Society in care of Nancy Bailey, 1327 Frank St., Galesburg, IL 61401. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com
