Earnest L. Bailey

November 5, 1927 - March 8, 2021

Earnest L. Bailey, 93, of Ashkum passed away on Monday March 8, 2021 at Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth. He was born on November 5, 1927 in Kempton, the son of Avis and Cora (Savage) Bailey. Earnie married Ila L. Shelton in Emington on June 8, 1946 and she preceded him in death on October 30, 2018. In addition to his wife he was preceded in death three brothers, four sisters, and one son in law, Tom Curl. Survivors include one son, James (Judy) Bailey of Ashkum; six daughters, Kathleen (Michael) Hughey of Wilmette, Cynthia Curl of Chebanse, Elaine (Robert) Tammen of Danforth, Ila Jayne (Russell) Hiatt of Danville, Lois (Todd) Bayston of Kankakee and Marjorie (Kevin) Clabby of Chebanse; two sisters, Fay Meredith of Clifton and Jeannie Norgaard of Dwight; 15 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren. Earnie was a member of First United Methodist Church in Watseka and was an Iroquois County farmer for 40 years. He was active with the Swine Show at the Iroquois County Fair and served on the Soil & Water Conservation Board for many years. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday March 13, 2021 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka with Pastor Kara Berg officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11:00 am on Saturday. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Watseka or the donor’s choice.