10/28/2025
Charles Bailey
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Charles Bailey, a beloved father, veteran, and dedicated community member, who departed this life on October 27, 2025, at the age of 103. Born on April 1, 1922, in Mount Healthy, Ohio, Charles lived a rich and vibrant life that spanned over a century, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering dedication.
As a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, Charles served his country during World War II. He was an engineer who built bridges on the frontlines and always talked about taking part in "the Battle of the Bulge" as his battalion helped build the bridge across the Rhine River. He earned 6 Bronze Stars. His patriotism was matched only by his deep commitment to his community, where he dedicated countless hours to volunteer work. Charles served as a firefighter with the Newtonsville Fire Department, volunteered over 25 years with St. Vincent de Paul, and spent over 20 years with the Free Store Food Bank. His devotion to helping others extended to Clermont Mercy Hospital, where he selflessly contributed for more than 40 years.
He met his wife Grace of 77 years as she wrote to him during the war as a request from his sisters who she worked with. When he returned from the war in 1945, they finally met after many letters back-and-forth and they were married five months later.
Charles was a man of many talents and passions. He was a gifted woodworker, whose craftsmanship brought joy to many, and he cherished the tranquility of gardening. Reading became one of his favorite pastimes, particularly in his later years, while playing cards provided a consistent source of companionship and camaraderie. His competitive spirit remained strong throughout his life including playing in leagues playing softball and volleyball even into his 80s, participating in the Senior Olympics, and never shying away from the thrill of the 50-yard dash, an event he relished.
Bowling was another passion that defined Charles's life-he continued to bowl weekly in leagues until he reached the remarkable age of 99, inspiring others with his resilience and zest for life. His joy in sports was a reflection of his love for connection and community.
His life was a testament to God, family and country. He loved all of them in that order, he always said 'you don't have to like what the person does, but you have to love them.
Charles Bailey married the late Grace Cohen on April 13, 1946. They were married 77 years! Charles is survived by his loving children; Grace Steiner, Walter(Barbara)Bailey, Joan Bailey, Charlotte(late Dave)Vonderstrausse, Charles(Mary)Bailey Jr., Mary Gavey, Teresa(late Daniel)Howard, Joseph(Carri)Bailey, Patricia(Tom)Hall, Michael(Maria)Bailey, John Bailey, Elizabeth(Joe) Dahlheimer, & Alma(Robert)Fath.
Grandchildren; Tracey Steiner-Rosenhoffer, Thomas Steiner, Jennifer Fox, Nathan Bailey, Megan Hunley, Sheila Adams, Sandra Campbell, Scott Campbell, Shaun Campbell, Hope Mendoza, April Lucas, Jeffrey Smith, Angela Smith, Charles Bailey III, Stephen Bailey, Ashley Virt, Nickolas Gavey, Amanda Dover, Serge Howard, Francesco Howared, Jessica Stults, Eric Hall, Taylor Bailey, Meggie Bailey, Cohen Bailey, Madelyn Bailey, John Tanner Bailey, Tiara Bailey, Joseph Dahlheimer, Andrea Fath, Christopher Fath, Patrick Fath, and Eric Fath.
Great Grandchildren; Sammantha Steiner, Spencer Rosenhoffer, Lucas Fox, Jonah Fox, Jillian Fox, Tasmin Bailey, Allistair Bailey, Lexi Hunley, Olivia Hunley, Grayson Hunley, Baylee Williams, Dylan Pfriem, Jacob Adams, Dalton Adams, Brandon Holford, Brett Holford, Brooklyn Fishback, Breanna Holford, Scott Campbell II, Joel Campbell, Karli Campbell, Maci Campbell, Easton Campbell, Justin Mendoza, Alex Mendoza, Josh Mendoza, Danny Mendoza, Michael Mendoza, Ivy Wheeler, Marquita Lucas, Sam Smith, Drew Smith, James Smith, Cassandra Keirns, Anna Vandyke, Emma Bailey, Charlie Bailey IV, Luke Bailey, Joshua Bailey, Noah Virt, Lily Virt, Drake Gavey, Tori Dover, LJ Dover, Jaden Howard, Violet Howard, Isla Howard, Isabella Howard, Keagen Speaks-Hall, Asher Stults, Morgan Hall, Camryn Hall, Harrison Hall, Henry Hall, Baila Bailey, Barrett Bailey and Salem Bailey.
Great Great Grandchildren; Gunnar(Kain)Steiner Girshovich, Lotus Gullett, Makani Abafo, Makai Abafo, Sebashtian Williams, Rowen Williams, Sutton Williams, Corbin Fishback, Raelynn Fishback, Kensley Ledbetter, Colton Ledbetter, Damon Campbell, Rilynn Campbell, Leelan Wheeler, Sylas Wheeler, Karli Mendoza, Ava Mendoza, Isabel Mendoza, Justin Mendoza III, Andre Mendoza & Hazel Keirns
He is also survived by his sister Mary New (99).
Proceeded in death by his Parents; Charles E. Bailey and Mary Lenhart Bailey, siblings; John (Art) Bailey, Dorothy Engel, Alma Hagedorn, Pearl Michel, Helen Fales, Gertrude Taylor, and Nettie Uline, and Grandchildren; Jerry Bailey & Levi Dahlheimer, & great grandchild Emery Rosenhoffer.
He was a champion for the unborn. He had an unwavering faith in God, his joy radiated in whomever and whatever he encountered. He was not just a good man, he was an exceptional man who always helped others and wanted others to feel loved. He truly was an inspiration to so many people and his legacy will live on through anyone who has ever met him and mostly through his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren. He will live on in all our hearts.
Visitation will be held at Evans Funeral Home in Milford on Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 5-8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at St. Louis Church on Friday, October 31, 2025, at 11:30 AM.
In honoring Charles's memory, let us carry forward his spirit of generosity and service, weaving the lessons he taught us into the fabric of our own lives. May his legacy shine on like the love he shared with all around him.
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