John L Bailiff, of Stonewall, Louisiana went home to be with his Lord on Friday, January 14, 2022 at the age of 94. He was born December 7, 1927 in Jamestown, Louisiana to Ben and Lena Caskey Bailiff. He married the love of his life, Evelyn on January 31st in 1948.
John honorably served his country in the United States Air Force, retiring after a 24 year career as an Air Craft Electrical Superintendent mainly working on B-52’s. During his military career, he earned the rank of Senior Master Sergeant and served in the Viet Nam and Afghanistan Wars. He was also involved in many private missions during his timeserving. After retiring from the service, he entered into a new career at AT&T retiring from there after 10 years.
John loved the Lord and was a faithful servant. He was a devoted member of Salem Baptist Church in Stonewall, Louisiana where he served as a deacon. He enjoyed attending Sunday school and loved reading his bible. Towards the end of John’s life, he always said, “I want to go to church”.
John loved hunting, fishing and traveling in their motor home. He looked forward to their trips to Branson, Missouri every year, sometimes multiple times a year. Most of all he treasured spending time with his family.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 74 years, Evelyn Bailiff; their daughter, Sandra Bailiff; sister, Linda Bailiff Sylvest; grandchildren, Casandra Tyler and her husband Paul, John McGraw and Yvette McGraw; and great grandchild, Porsche Tyler.
John was preceded in death by his daughter, Sherry Ann Allen and his parents, Ben and Lena.
A visitation for John will be held Monday, January 17, 2022 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport, Louisiana 71108, followed by a celebration of life at 2:00 PM. John will be laid to rest in Centuries Memorial Park. Officiating the services will be Pastor Mike Hawkins. Serving as pallbearers will be the United States Air Force Honor Guard. Honorary pallbearers will be Paul Tyler, William McGraw and Mike Smoke.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at the Northwest Louisiana Veterans Home in Bossier City and to his therapist, Cathy, for their care.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in John’ s name to Salem Baptist Church Building fund, 5187 LA-3276, Stonewall, LA 71078.
