Brian Bailey

Brian Bailey was a remarkable and talented man who gave selflessly to others. With an easy going personality, he made countless friends over the years. A lover of antiques and other collectibles often disregarded by others, Brian crafted many unique items and displayed his treasures throughout his lovely home. His immeasurable kindness, fun-loving ways, and wonderful memories will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Brian’s story began during a time that was marked by WWII. Families in the United States were experiencing a gas rationing of only three gallons a week and a new breed of movies with war themes were hatching. During the years of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Lyle B. and Mildred R. (Zeiger) Bailey were pleased to announce the birth of their son, Brian Reed on October 14, 1942, in South Bend, Indiana. His birth brought much joy and promise in an era of great change.

Growing up in Kendallville, Brian’s easy going personality helped him create many lasting friendships. Proud to be known as a “west ender,” he was known throughout the neighborhood streets as a rough and tumble type of adolescent. A special cabin on Royer Lake that his father had built held many special memories for him during these formative years. Born to a set of hardworking parents, Brian loved to go along with his dad to his veterinarian house calls. His mother, whom he nicknamed, “Mild Mildred” made their home a welcome mat for many of their childhood friends as no one could resist her cooking and her gentle, loving ways! As a teen, he was known as the Robert Redford of his high school. However, with the common last name of Bailey, his closest friends called him, "Beetle” after the comic strip Beetle Bailey. Brian’s strong work ethic landed him many employment opportunities at a young age. He was a caddy at the golf course, a paperboy with News-Sentinel, and a bagger for Foodtown Market in Kendallville. Later, he eagerly went to work for the Juniper Hill Nursery. His interests during his high school career included playing golf, collecting stamps, and target shooting.

Brian had a charismatic personality that drew others to him. Seizing every moment to entertain others by throwing large parties, he was often caught red handed. Without a care in the world, he once joined a celebration of a local Fort Wayne high school sports team who had just won their basketball championship. Skipping school to attend the event, his picture was printed on the front page news! Without any hesitation, he was again in trouble both at home and at school!

Graduating with the Class of 1960 from Kendallville High School, Brian set off for Indiana University to pursue a law degree. In college, he played intramural sports and was a member of the Beta Theta Phi fraternity. To help pay for the increasing college expenses, he spent his summers working at the Seneca Petroleum Company, Kraft Foods, and the Newman Foundry. After receiving his degree, he joined the United States Army and served as a Second Lieutenant in Korea. He was proud of his years of service and often reflected on those memories throughout his life.

He treasured his growing up years in Kendallville and even in adulthood was known to drive up and down every street in his old neighborhood naming all of the families and their children were such a special part of that time in his life. Even so, he made his home in Indianapolis where each and every person was made to feel welcome in his home. Close with his extended relatives and their families, he loved to host them and show off his city! Never one to have children of his own, his heart was overjoyed whenever special friends came over to celebrate the happy times in his life.

Brian held a vast array of marketable skills which helped him land many successful jobs over the years. Remarkably, he was a jack-of-all-trades; known to repoint bricks, repair chimneys, fix slate roofs, plaster walls, paint exteriors of homes, make dental appliances, and restore valuable paintings at the local art museum. Nothing seemed to be too challenging for him as he approached everything with a positive mindset. Brian leaves behind a rich legacy of living life to the fullest and sharing generously with others. His family and special friends will fondly remember his unconditional love for countless years to come.

Brian Reed Bailey, age 74, of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 11, 2017, at the home of a friend after a bravely fought battle with cancer. He is survived by a sister, Julia (Don) Grubaugh of LaOtto; niece, Jennifer (Shane) Clifford of Glenwood, Indiana; niece, Christina Grubaugh of LaOtto; two great nephews, Brady and Ryan Clifford of Glenwood, Indiana; and Margaret Klingerman, his longtime friend and devoted caregiver, and numerous close friends in the Indianapolis area. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, Edward Bailey, brother, Scott Bailey and his special dog, Gunther. Funeral services will take place on Tuesday, August 15, 2017, at 4:00 PM at Harry W. Moore Mortuary on Allisonville Road in Indianapolis. Visitation will be from 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM prior to the service. Graveside services with military honors will take place Wednesday, August 16, 2017, at 11:00 AM at Lake View Cemetery in Kendallville.Memorial donations may be made to Roudebush V.A. Hospital in Indianapolis. Arrangements entrusted to Hite Funeral Home of Kendallville.