Neil O. Bailey, 65, of Granite City, passed away at 12:20 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17, 2014, at his home.
He was born Dec. 14, 1948, in Granite City, a son of Noel and Joyce (Blada) Bailey of Granite City.
He married Martha C. (Wright) Bailey on April 1, 1967, in Granite City and she survives.
Neil retired in 1999 from Laclede Steel in Alton after 32 years of dedicated service as a steelworker. He was a custodian with Liberty School in Edwardsville for the past four years. He enjoyed many years of home improvements working with ARC Home Improvements. The United States veteran proudly served his country with the Army. He enjoyed his grandchildren and his days of camping, fishing, tinkering, remodeling and electrical work. He will be remembered for the love and special times shared with his family and friends and had a special love of animals.
In addition to his beloved wife of more than 47 years and his parents, he is survived by a son, John Bailey of Granite City; a daughter and son-in-law, Barb and Gary Hustedt of Granite City; four grandchildren, Nathan and Rebecca Bailey and Kayla and Austin Hustedt; one brother and sister-in-law, Dennis and Bobi Bailey of Nebraska; other extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Bruce Bailey.
In celebration of his life, visitation will be at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City, on Friday, Nov. 21, 2014, from 4 p.m. until time of funeral service at 7 p.m. with Father Jeff Holtman officiating. Memorials may be made to the Madison County Humane Society and may be accepted at the funeral home, www.irwinchapel.com.