Arnold E. "Gene" Bailey, age 77, of Lima, passed away on Sunday, March 19, 2023, at 5:44 PM at Mercy Health – St. Rita's Medical Center, Lima.

He was born on January 20, 1946, in Kenton, Ohio to the late Arnold and Stella (Nichols) Bailey.  On November 9, 1976, Gene married Judith E. Smith and she survives in Lima.

Also surviving are two sons: Eugene Bailey and Darin (Tonya) Bailey; two daughters: Diane Bailey and Sara (Travis) Music; eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren; and cousins: Melinda Carpenter and Carol (Bill) Nevers; and their children: Tori and Angel and their grandson, Chantz.

He was preceded in death by a son, Jessie Bailey; and a sister, Virginia Hurley.

Gene was a retired welder.  He was a U.S. Army veteran who served from 1963 to 1966.  He was a lifetime member of the Ada VFW Post #9381 and a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Lakeview.  Gene was an avid hunter and fisherman, and he loved watching Westerns.

Memorial services will begin at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at Hanson-Neely-Allison Funeral & Cremation Services, Alger with Becky Bodey officiating.  Military honors will be conducted by the U.S. Army Honor Guard and the Ada VFW Post #9381 Honor Guard.

Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 25 ^th at Hanson-Neely-Allison Funeral & Cremation Services, Alger.

Memorial contributions may be made to the West Ohio Food Bank, 1380 E. Kibby Street, Lima, Ohio 45804.