Ben Bailey is Death Victim Wednesday

Popular Service Station Attendant was Member of Blair Legion Post

Inhabitants of Blair and vicinity were shocked late Wednesday afternoon to learn of the death of Ben Bailey, World War veteran and member of the Stanley E. Hain Post 154 of the American Legion.

He died of his own hand, having shot himself with a gun borrowed from a neighbor.

Bailey had been in poor health and in nervous state for some time.

The deceased was born near Blair forty years ago and had made his home here throughout his entire life. He was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Jack Bailey. There weeks ago his brother, Frank, passed away and Ben mourned his passing deeply.

At the age of 17 he joined the Navy, the World War being on at that time. He was released at the close of the war and since has been engaged in the operation of service stations. For several years he operated the station now run by Emmett Rounds, later taking over the Conoco station at Third and Washington streets at the time of its initial opening. For the past 7 ½ years he had been in the employ of Carl Bohs at the Sinclair station.

As an automobile service man, Ben had built up an enviable reputation. He made many friends, was always courteous and efficient and was possessed of a cheerful disposition.

Ben was first married to Miss Edith Hall, of Kennard. She passed away a number of years ago. The present Mrs. Baily, the former Miss Margaret Lutz, was married September 24, 1934.

Surviving besides his wife are two sons Bob Bailey, a senior at Blair High School and a member of the Blair High School football team and another son, Byrie, aged 8 years. Also surviving are two brothers, Guy of Blair and Walter of Gary, Indiana.

Services will be held at Campbell Mortuary at 2 o’clock Friday afternoon.

~~~ Obituary courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair Public Library at Blair Nebraska.~~~