Joe Bailey Null

Joe Bailey Null, 94, took his final flight Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014, surrounded by his loving family. Service: Please join the family at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday in the chapel of Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home. Visitation: 11:30 a.m. Wednesday. Joe was born in Dallas on Nov. 19, 1920, to David and Bessie Null; he took his place as fifth youngest of 14 children. A proud World War II veteran, Joe served his country with the U.S Army Air Corps as a turret and tail gunner, making 50 continuous missions over Normandy, Italy and Austria. He was wounded in a fierce air battle over Austria. While hospitalized, his plane and crew were shot down, with his buddies becoming POWs. A grateful country decorated Joe with the Purple Heart medal. Additional honors were the four Bronze Star F.A.M.E. medal, the five oak leaf cluster Air Medal and the Distinguished Unit Badge. His final mission was in a B-17 named "Fifty Packin' Mama" on July 9, 1944. Following his illustrious service in the U.S Army Air Corps, Joe returned to the Fort Worth area where he was employed by Lockheed until his retirement in 1987. He really enjoyed the time spent with other veterans who lovingly restored World War II aircraft. He was part of the celebrated team who worked on the "Diamond Lil," the last B-24 remaining in flight. A quiet, introspective man of deep faith, Joe was adored by his family. He made friends easily, enjoyed a good joke and told many stories from his childhood and service experiences. The family would like to express appreciation to the fine staff at Heartland Rehabilitation Center in Richland Hills who went out of their way to take care of his every need. Special thanks to attendants Jay, Peronica, Shelia and Steven. Joe was predeceased by his parents; 11 siblings; and wives, Faye and Virginia. Survivors: In addition to his wife, Helen, Joe is survived by his daughter, Diane Bowman; sons, A.C and Michael Pair; stepdaughters, Donna Lackey and Darlene Bradley; brothers, Tommy and Wesley (Betty Jo); sister, Louise Holbert; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and scores of friends.