Raymond Leo Bailey

NEW IBERIA – A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Mr. Raymond Bailey, 84, at 11:00 am Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Fr. Ed Degeyter will be the celebrant. Interment will follow in Holy Family Cemetery.

A gathering of family and friends will be held at Evangeline Funeral Home on Tuesday from 4:00 pm until 9:00 pm, with the Rosary being recited at 7:00 pm. The funeral home will reopen on Wednesday from 8:00 am until 10:30 am.

Raymond was born August 31, 1928 to Ivy and Josephine Lopez Bailey, and passed away peacefully on Monday, June 10, 2013 at his residence, with his family at his side.

Mr. Bailey served 20 years and retired from the Louisiana Army National Guard. Early in his life, he was a wholesale grocery salesman, but most will remember him for the many years he served as a member of the New Iberia Fire Department. He was also known as one of New Iberia’s best wall paper hangers, something he took great pride in.

Outside of his work, Raymond was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, where he worked with the catechism classes caring for the children, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 3425.

He leaves behind many fond memories that will forever be cherished by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Emma Lou LeBlanc Bailey of New Iberia; his children, Michael Wayne “Micky” Bailey and wife Jeannie of Lafayette, Karen Bailey Comeaux of New Iberia, and R. Scott Bailey and wife Dianne of Broussard; 8 grandchildren, Chad Bailey and wife Cherie, Bret Bailey and wife Serena, Leah Reaux and husband Chuck, Bryan Comeaux and wife Kelly, Dr. Blake Comeaux and wife Danielle, Nicholas Bailey and wife Kristi, Benjamin Bailey and Ethan Bailey; 13 great grandchildren, Tyler, Miia, Cameron, Emma, Owen, Ashley, Brandon, Jase, Carson, Caroline, Ella, Emmaline and Abigail; three great great grandchildren; and his sisters and brother, Marine Bonin and Judy Babineaux and husband C.J. all of New Iberia, and Clarence Bailey and wife Linnea of North Carolina.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ivy and Josephine Lopez Bailey; 3 sisters, Inez Vincent, Agnes Langlinais and Joy Rita Sorrels; a brother, Wilton Bailey; his son-in-law, Rodney Comeaux; and a great grandson, Noah Alan Comeaux.

Serving as pallbearers will be his grandsons, Bryan and Blake Comeaux, and Chad, Bret, Nicholas, Benjamin and Ethan Bailey.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Bailey’s name to Heart of Hospice, 201 W. Vermilion, Lafayette, LA 70501 or to St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 108 St. Peter Street, New Iberia, LA 70560.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Mrs. Joyce Green, his caretaker, for her care and compassion shown while in her care.

To view the online obituary, and sign the guest book, please visit www.evangelinefuneralhome.com

Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia (337) 364-1881 is in charge of arrangements.