Vernon David Bailey Jr. 95

Vernon David Bailey Jr. 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 Aug. 4, 2019, at his home in Colburn, Idaho, from natural causes.

At the age of 19, he joined the U.S. Army, 82nd Airborne in World War II and he 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 three sons, Keith (Wesley), Kent and Curtis Stradley. Together they had five more children, Vernon III, Terry, Ray, Karen and Gary.

Vern was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; his sons, Wes and Terry; and his 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 25, there will be a celebration of life at his residence at 563 Bailey Road in Colburn starting at 1 pm.

Family and friends are invited to sign Vernon’s online guestbook at coffeltfuneral.com.

Final arrangements are entrustd to the care of Coffelt Funeral Service of Sandpoint, Idaho.