Gary J. Bailey

Gary J. “Beetle Bailey” Bailey, 79, of Shippenville, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home early Monday morning, April 24, 2023. He was born on January 14, 1944 in Alcola; son of the late George Bailey and Annie Harriger Barkefelt. Gary married the love of his life, Barbara Schaeffer, on June 1, 1968, who survives. He worked for Dolby Blasting in Clarion and then worked for Commodore Homes in Shippenville in the final finish department, retiring in 2009. Gary was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Clarion and attended the Fern Trinity Evangelical Congregational Church with his grandson, Conner. He was also an active member and local legend of the “Dubs on the Move” Volkswagen Club. Gary always looked forward to getting together once a month with his retired Commodore coworkers for breakfast. He also enjoyed taking rides with Barb and Bailey in his Herbie replica. Gary loved volunteering and helping with bingo at the Shippenville Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center. He was a people person and was always giving hugs and compliments. But above all, Gary adored his family and enjoyed picking on his grandsons. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Cecelia Oyer and her husband, Christopher, of Corry; his grandsons, Christopher Henry and his significant other, Stacy Slimick, and Conner Henry, affectionately known to Gary as “Doctor Henry”, and his significant other, Stacy Arbuckle, all of Shippenville; his beloved dog, Bailey; and numerous in-laws, nieces, and nephews. In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his step-father, James Barkefelt and his dear friend, Jed Brewer. Family and friends will be received from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at the Robert V. Burns Funeral Home in Clarion. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 27, 2023 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Rev. Monty Sayers presiding. Interment will follow in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery. The family asks that you pass on a random act of kindness in Gary’s memory. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the funeral home to help with funeral expenses.

Gary J. Bailey

January 14, 1944 - April 24, 2023