Thomas Bailey

On October 27, 2022, I ended my journey here on earth, being 74 years old. I was born in Tecumseh and lived most of my life in this area. It has been a journey filled with family and friends, with joys and sorrows. In this timeline of life, I learned of the Bible verse, John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” I heard from the preaching of His word that if I ever wanted my final home in Gods’ Glory, Heaven, then I would have to, by faith, believe in Jesus Christ and His resurrection as my only way to be saved (born again), and go to Heaven after my earthly life is ended. This I did many years ago and I don’t regret it. Why should I?

Those that preceded me in my death were my mom, Pauline (Hile) Bailey, age 55, a great example of a Godly woman; my Dad, Edward Bailey, age 86, a great supporter of my plans and dreams; and our daughter, Jessica (Bailey) Johnson who the Lord called to His Glory at the age of 36 due to Cystic Fibrosis complications. She was loved by many and a friend to many.

Surviving me is my dear wife, Diane, who is such a blessing and an example of the biblical Proverbs 31 woman. Also surviving is Julie (Michael), who is 50 years old and a surviving Cystic Fibrosis miracle.  She is also a godly woman and seeks to help and edify others. Jenny (Dereck) is our second child who, when she asked if she was adopted, I would say yes but the people returned her to us! Of course, she never was adopted and she as the others have been a blessing to her Mom and I. She is another godly woman and likes to help, organize and encourage. Jon (Kristie) lives in Alaska. I can remember the day he said to me, “Dad, I believe God is directing me to move to Alaska.” No way was I going to hinder something that God was in. Jon is a man of great patience, and is more than willing to help others. He is a man that loves his Lord Jesus. God has given him a great gift of working with wood as a designer and carpenter. Also surviving me are my brother, Billy (Judy) Bailey and sister, Sandee Steuwe, both awesome siblings. Plus, there is my mother-in-law, Doris Bishop and brother-in-law Mike (Connie) Bishop. These siblings and in-laws gave us nine nieces and nephews. We have also been blessed with 11 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

My final earthly resting place is in Ridgeway Cemetery.

If you have gotten this far in my obituary and are someone who has not put your faith in Jesus Christ for your hope of eternity in Heaven, why not today? We don’t know what a day will bring forth and we are one heartbeat away from eternity, whether it be Heaven or Hell.  Perhaps take time to read these Bible verses: Romans 3:10, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Romans 10:9-10, Romans 10:13. Find a friend who is a believer and perhaps seek their assistance if needed.

Well, I have moved onward and upward and hope to see you some day in God’s Heavenly domain. Thank you, Jesus.

Visitation for Tom will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on November 12, 2022, at Blissfield Baptist Church. A memorial service will follow at 12 p.m. with Pastor Tom Frantz officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Blissfield Baptist Church and Hospice of Lenawee. Arrangements are under the care of the Tecumseh Chapel of Handler Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be offered to the family at handlerfuneralhomes.com.