BAILON, Herculano Ortiz

Herculano Ortiz Bailon, 78, passed away on October 29, 2003 at the Streams of the Desert home in Tempe, Ariz. He was born April 28, 1925 in Solomonville, Ariz., in Graham County. He attended high school in Globe, Ariz., and attended the University of Arizona. He worked at Ryan-Evans Drug Stores in the pharmacy for 25 years before he served as a court bailiff/interpreter in the City of Phoenix Municipal Court system for 19 years. Bailon belonged to the Southside Baptist Church in Tempe where he sang in the choir for 25 years. He also was a member of VFW Post 3632. A native of Arizona, he lived in Globe, Superior, Tucson and Tempe. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II from 1943-45 and was honorably discharged on Dec. 12, 1945. He was awarded the Victory Medal World War II, Asiatic Pacific three stars and America Area Point System. He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Hazel; sisters, Rachel Munoz of Tucson, Ariz., and Becky Mendoza of Coolidge, Ariz.; daughters, Alicia of Scottsdale, Ariz.; Anna Hill of Hayward, Calif.; Elena Wortman of Tempe, Ariz; and son, Gilbert of Dallas, Texas. He also is survived by two stepsons, one stepdaughter and seven grandchildren. The memorial service was Saturday, Nov. 1, 2003, at Southside Baptist Church at 1001 E. Southern Ave. in Tempe and burial followed at Green Acres Mortuary and Cemetery, 401 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, Ariz., 85282. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to Southside Baptist Church at 1001 E. Southern Ave., Tempe, Ariz., 85282-5489. Published in the Arizona Republic on 11/1/2003.