Mr. E. Richard Bails, 81, of Harvel passed away at his home on Friday, September 13, 2013 at 11:06 pm surrounded by his family following a lengthy illness.
Richard was born on February 2, 1932 in Taylorville, IL. He was the son of Everett and Ellen (McWard) Bails who preceded him in death. He married Deanna Dudley of June 14, 1959 in Prophetstown, IL.
He was a graduate of Morrisonville High School and the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign with a bachelor degree in Agricultural Economics. He served in the U.S. Air Force. Richard was engaged in farming all of his life in the Harvel area.
Mr. Bails was active in several organizations serving as: member and president of the Raymond-Harvel Kiwanis Club; member of the Harvel Village Board; member of the Christian County Farm Bureau Board and also served 17 years of the Christian Co Farm Supply Board; a 50 year member of the Morrisonville Masonic Lodge #681 and member of the Ansar Shrine in Springfield, IL. He enjoyed his years with the Three Wheels of Ansar Shrine, participating in several parades each summer; member and elder on the First Presbyterian Church, Morrisonville he was a licensed Ham Radio operator and enjoyed his membership in the Christian Co Ham Radio Club. He was an avid Cardinals fan. He enjoyed traveling, photography, hunting, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.
In addition to his wife Deanna, he is survived by two daughters, Lisa (Lynn) Waldeck of Farmersville, IL and Linda (Curt) Poe of Williamsville, IL two sons Steven Bails of Raymond, IL and Jim (Annette) Bails of Springfield, IL; grandchildren Jarrod (Kara) Waldeck, Aaron (Briana) Waldeck, Jessica Waldeck and Nathan Waldeck; Caleb Poe, Josh, Drew and Lauren Bails; Keenan Gilpin and Morgan Bails; one sister Mary Ellen Wernsing of Springfield.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Tuesday, September 17, 2012 in the First Presbyterian Church, Morrisonville, IL. Rev. Jim Ferrill will officiate. Burial will follow in Morrisonville Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 pm Monday, September 16th at Perfetti Funeral Home, Morrisonville, IL. Memorials may be made to the University of Illinois College of ACES Scholarship Fund, the Raymond-Harvel Fire Department or The National Parkinson Foundation.
