Thomas S. Bailey

Thomas S. Bailey

May 23, 1914 – Oct. 27, 2009T

om passed away October 27, 2009 at the age of 95, in Sammamish, WA. Tom was born in Seattle, WA on May 23, 1914 and was raised in Bellingham. He attended Eastern Washington University from 1936-1941 graduating with a degree in history. He returned to Kent after graduation and taught middle school history. During WWII he was employed in Tacoma by Todd shipyards. After the war he worked for Strain’s Auto, a Kent Chrysler, Plymouth and Triumph dealership, and became an owner partner. Tom was very active in the Kent Community for many years as a charter member Kent Lions Club, president of the Kent Kiwanis, past member Kent Masonic Lodge, Kent City Counsel (8 years), helped organize the Kent Chamber of Commerce and was its secretary for 18 years. Prior to his retirement in 1979, he had time to help with Kent’s annual Easter egg hunt, little league football and baseball through the Kent Parks.He married Lee, eldest daughter of Donald and Effie Bell of Kent in 1938; their life together lasted 70+ years; there love for each other never wavered. They have 3 sons Bob (wife Joan), Brian (wife Lynn), and Greg, 8 grandchildren (Todd, Josh, Jason, Jaime, Jay, Blake, Tyson, and Cameron) and 2 great-grandchildren (True, and Tess). Tom’s passions were his family, friends, life, community, church (St. James Episcopal of Kent), and traveling the US, Canada, Latin America, and the Orient. A celebration of life will be held December 17th, at 12p.m. at Meridian Valley Country Club, 24830 136th Ave SE, Kent, WA. Please mark your calendar.Remembrances may be made in his memory to:Providence Hospice of Seattle, 425 Pontius Ave. N., Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98109. St.James Episcopal Church, 24447 94th Ave S. Kent, WA 98030