Leslie Daniel Bailey |
| Posted 2018-01-05 by Pat R |
| Arizona Republic (Phoenix, AZ) Sunday, December 31, 2017 Leslie Daniel Bailey (1919-2017) Black Canyon City--98, passed away Saturday, December 16, 2017. Les was born on June 30, 1919 in Joseph City, Arizona to Arthur Leslie and Jennie McLaws. He and Mary Imogene Hill were married on January 14, 1941 at his parents' home in Winslow, Arizona. They celebrated 72 years of marriage on January 14, 2013. He had two daughters, Nancy Dowlearn and Linda Phelps, seven grandchildren, Robert Pannoni, Laurel Nixon, Glen, Greg, Todd, Darin and Andy Phelps and nineteen great grandchildren. A great, great grandchild is expected in 2018. In 1939, he was hired by the Santa Fe Railroad. His first job involved cleaning the box cars that carried fruits and vegetables and cleaning the Round House where the rail cars were repaired. Les' work ethic of hard work, honesty and dependability were noted and resulted in his learning and working in a variety of positions. When WWII began, he was working as a car inspector. He received a draft notice and was classified as 1A. Les and Mary waited anxiously for the call to report, but that call never came. It was not until he retired that he learned that Santa Fe officials had written to the draft board asking that he be granted a deferment. His knowledge and his labor were needed to expedite the trains carrying soldiers and equipment to the west coast. During that time, dad worked 16 hours a day....an 8-hour shift during the day and an additional 8 hours catching the paperwork up to date. After spending 41 years with Santa Fe, he retired as District Supervisor of the Mechanical Department, Albuquerque Division, which included his overseeing the work in parts of New Mexico, Arizona and California. His retirement took place in Winslow on July 15, 1980. Dad's good nature and positive attitude affected his family, friends and those who worked with him in a wonderful way. We're grateful for his influence in our lives and we will cherish our memories of him forever. He will be buried next to his wife, Mary, in Black Canyon City. Phoenix Memorial Park and Mortuary 200 West Beardsley Road Phoenix, AZ 85027 See Also: Find A Grave |
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