Merrill Sherman Bailey
June 26, 1920 - November 30, 2013

Merrill Sherman Bailey was a man of distinction in his family and community life. Having endured hardships at an early age, Merrill knew the value of faith and commitment. He was strong in his convictions and determined to make life good for those around him. His civic pride gave rise to municipal successes, and his love of family sustained him with a lifetime of joy and meaning.

Merrill Sherman was born to Frank and Laudra (Stoddard) Bailey in Ravenna, Michigan on June 26, 1920. At the time, Americans were experiencing growth in industry and employment following the First World War. Frank and Laudra supported their family of two childrenMerrill and Glennaon an 80 acre farm in Ravenna.

Merrill grew up doing chores and working hard during the Depression years, especially when his father became ill. Frank died when Merrill was 14 and the family struggled to get by. But young Merrills resilience and his mothers pride kept them going. She refused public assistance and instead took in laundry and sold breads and pies that she baked. Needless to say, the house filled with a delicious aroma from all the baking and added to Laudras determination to make her childrens life secure.

Family pride and determination was evident in Merrills education. He walked 5 miles to school with the ingrained reminder from his mother that he must finish high school. Merrill not only graduated, he found work in Muskegon and began a new chapter in his life when he became reacquainted with a fellow student, Zona Price.

Zona was attending nurses training in Muskegon and Merrill offered to drive her to school every day, and Zona didnt turn him down. Those daily drives gave them an opportunity to get to know each other well, and they eventually began dating. Their friendship grew into love and commitment, and Merrill and Zona were married on October 30, 1943 at Ravenna Methodist Church.

Given that period in history, World War II consumed American life, and Merrill enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served for two years as a Tank Instructor, and during that time, Zona joined him in South Carolina where he was stationed. Upon Merrills discharge, the couple returned to Muskegon, and he found work as a Quality Control Engineer for Anaconda Wire and Cable, a job he would keep for 39 years, retiring in 1981.

Merrill and Zona began their family with the birth of their son Donald in 1945, followed by George in 1949 and their daughter Kay in 1954. Their life was spiritually grounded at Central United Methodist Church, where they were active members. In the early 1950s, Merrill and Zona had a house built on Davis Road in Norton Shores, a home from which he never moved.

As a family, the Baileys delighted in spending time together. Whether taking long trips to California and the New York Worlds Fair or fishing and picnicking at the Sand Docks, they always had fun. Merrill also promoted the childrens education, and like his own mother, he was proud that all his children graduated from high school and then went on to complete college degrees as well.

Merrills practical education continued as he took on a new role in 1975. He became a member of the Norton Shores City Council and then served as Mayor for 16 years. Under his watch, the city saw much growth, and Merrill worked tirelessly to bring more jobs to the city. He oversaw millions of dollars of water, sewer and road improvements. He was best known for his work with the U.S. 31-Sternberg Road Expressway Exchange and the Smart Park Industrial Park near the Muskegon County Airport. After retiring as Mayor in 1993, the City of Norton Shores honored him by naming the Henry Street Bridge across Mona Lake after him.

In their second retirement, Merrill and Zona remained active in the community with him volunteering for the Red Cross and serving as an Economic Development Consultant for Muskegon County. He was on the Red Cross Regional Board of Directors and was a past President of the Muskegon Jaycees and the Michigan Municipal League. During his time as president of MML, Merrill and Zona had the privilege of traveling around the country and in Europe. Still, home and family always drew them back to Michigan and the people and places they loved.

Being a huge fan of Michigan State University basketball and football, Merrill attended many games and became a personal friend of basketball coaches Jud Heathcoat and Tom Izzo. He and Zona loved spending time with their grandchildren, and purchasing a small farm in Ravenna opened up many more possibilities for family togetherness. Merrill became a gentleman farmer, making daily trips to the property, and Zona reveled in her beautiful flower gardens. Their 65 years of married life was rich with family and friendships. When Zona died in 2009, Merrill was wounded with sorrow, but he continued to live on his own and stay involved in the community.

Toward the end of November 2013, Merrill suffered a stroke from which he did not recover. He died Saturday, November 30th at the age of 93. His legacy of zeal and devotion will long be remembered by his beloved family and grateful community.

Mr. Merrill S. Bailey of Norton Shores, Michigan, is survived by his sons, Donald (Carol) Bailey of Rockford, George (Donna) Bailey of Muskegon; daughter Kay (Tom) Anderson of Steamboat Springs, CO; 9 grandchildren, Regina, Joseph, Julie, Jessica, T.J., Nate, Rob, Stephen and Christine; 16 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Zona and son James.

A service to celebrate Mr. Baileys life will be held Wednesday, December 4, 2013, 11:00 AM at Central United Methodist Church with Rev. Mark Miller officiating. Interment at Sunrise Memorial Gardens.

Visitation with the family is scheduled for Tuesday, 2-4 and 6-8 PM at Clock Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Central United Methodist Church, Harbor Hospice or American Red Cross. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.

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