Vernon David Bailey, Jr.

Vernon David Bailey Jr. 95 Vern was a lifelong native of the Sandpoint area.  He was born on August 29, 1923 in a community that was called Dorite, which was near Clark Fork, Idaho.  His parents were Vernon and Myrtle Bailey.  Vern passed away August 4, 2019 at his home in Colburn, Idaho from natural causes.

At the age of 19 he joined the US Army, 82nd Airborn in WWII and served with the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign, earning a Bronze Star and boldly jumping into combat areas with his fellow soldiers.

 On September 26, 1945, Vern married Betty Jane Schauer Stradley and her 3 sons, Keith (Wesley), Kent and Curtis Stradley.  Together they had 5 more children, Vernon III, Terry, Ray, Karen and Gary.   Vern was preceded in death by his wife Betty, his sons’ Wes and Terry, parents, several sisters and a brother.

Vernon grew up mostly in the Dover area, lived in Sandpoint with his young family then moved to Colburn.  He worked locally in the logging and lumber industry including Humbird, Pack River then WI Forest mills. 

Vern enjoyed riding his 4-wheeler, visiting with friends and family and was an avid hunter. 

Vernon is survived by his children Kent Stradley, Curt (Bonnie) Stradley, Vernon (Christine) Bailey,  G. Ray Bailey, Karen Walker and Gary Bailey.  He is also survived by a sister, Jean Buck, several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  Following a private family service on August 25th there will be a celebration of life at his residence at 563 Bailey Road in Colburn starting at 1 pm.