Lige Austin Bailey

Lige A. Bailey, age 103, of Gillette, WY passed away January 16, 2013 at Close to Home Hospice House of natural causes. Memorial services will be held in Texas at a later date.Lige was born February 17, 1909 in Whitewright, Texas to Joe and Fannie Bailey. He was the third of nine children. Lige married Ethel Stricklin in Waco, TX on March 4, 1933 during the midst of the Great Depression. They were married for 68 years.Lige found work in road construction, traveling throughout Southeast Texas during the early years of their marriage. They were living in Corpus Christi, TX when World War II started. He served in the Navy Seabees as a warrant officer stationed in the South Seas and on the island of Iwo Jima. While awaiting his orders to return home, he travelled extensively throughout Japan. Following World War II Lige and Ethel settled in Beaumont, TX where he went to work for Trotti & Tompson.Lige loved to tell stories, whether it was about the days of prohibition or hopping trains during the depression. He always had a smile on his face and lived every day of his life to the fullest. People were drawn to him by his infectious personality and he was beloved by his family.Lige and Ethel have two children, Jim Bailey of Zavalla, TX; and Sarah (Mike) Dunham of Gillette, WY; They have five grandchildren, Jimes (Debora) Bailey Jr of Pearland, TX; Curtis (Pam) Bailey of Jasper, TX; Allison (Ryan) Shirley and Zack (Marlo) Dunham, both of Gillette, WY; Lige and Ethel also had eleven great-grandchildren. Lige was preceded in death by his wife, parents, his siblings, and grandson, Doug Bailey of Lufkin, TX.The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his memory to the Close to Home Hospice House. Memorials and condolences may be sent in Lige's name in care of Walker Funeral Home, 410 Medical Arts Court, Gillette, Wyoming 82716. Condolences may also be sent via the website www.walkerfuneralhome.com.Funeral Home:Walker Funeral Home410 Medical Arts CourtGillette, WYUS 82716