Thomas E. Bailey

Thomas E. Bailey, 82, of Arandale Street, Bedford, died Sunday, April 5, 2009 at the Universityof Pittsburgh Medical Center.  He was born on August 20, 1926, in Bedford, a son, of the late Clarence E. and Iva (Claycomb) Bailey.  On March 6, 1949 in Friends Cove, he married, Ida May Diehl who survives along with a daughter, Susan married to Rod Cober of Cincinnati, OH and two grandchildren: Andy Cober of Washington, D.C. and Ben Cober of Cincinnati, OH.  He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert L. Bailey.

Tom graduated from Everett High School in 1944 and was a World War II veteran, serving in the U.S. Army in the South Pacific and in Korea. He was a graduate of Catherman’s Business School and took a position with the First National Bank of Bedford in 1948. He spent his entire career with the bank, retiring as vice president in 1986.

In addition to his devotion to his family and friends, Tom was a very active member of his community throughout his life. He was a member of the Bedford Rotary Club since 1953, holding a number of offices including president and was a recipient of the Paul Harris award.  He was a member and former deacon, elder, and treasurer at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Bedford.  He served as treasurer for the Bedford Fall Foliage Festival for many years, beginning with its inception. He was a member of the UPMC Bedford Hospital board of directors for 30 years. Among his other memberships and affiliations were the Everett American Legion, the Bedford Elks, past president of the Bedford County Bankers Association, and a former member of the Bedford School Board.

Tom was known for his ability to tell a good story or pull off an unsuspected joke. He was admired for his service to others, his uncompromising principles and integrity, and his steadfast faith in God.

Funeral Services:  Friday, April 10, 2009, at 11:00 a.m., at the St. John’s United Church of Christ in Bedford, with the Rev. Joseph Puleo and Rev. Paul Claycomb officiating.  Burial at Trinity United Church of Christ Cemetery, with full military rites conducted by the Fort Bedford Honor Guard.  Friends will be received on Thursday from 4-8 p.m. at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home Inc., in Bedford.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to UPMC Bedford Memorial Hospital (10455 Lincoln Highway, Everett, PA 15537) with the notation “Thomas E. Bailey Memorial Fund.”

Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.