Russell L. Bailey, 89 of Princeton, passed away Friday, February 24, 2017 at the Good Samaritan Home in Oakland City, with family by his side. 

He was born in Oakland City on January 14, 1928, to Ivan and Fern (Beasley) Bailey.

He had lived in rural Princeton most of his life. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in Germany just following W.W.II, where he met his wife, Irmgard.  Russell owned and operated a service station at Midway, between Francisco and Princeton, while working for RJ Refinery. He also operated a skating rink and a dance hall there. He retired from the Gibson County Highway Department where he worked for 10 years. He was a Life and Charter Member of the V.F.W. Post 1147 and a member of the Eagles Lodge.

Russell is survived by 2 daughters, Irene McRaven of Mt. Carmel and Kathy Bates of Evansville; 2 sons, Ben Bailey of IL and Danny Bailey of Princeton; 2 brothers, Richard and David Bailey; and a sister Betty, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Irmgard; daughters, Nancy Bailey, Renate Titzer and JoAnn Norris.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday March 1 2017 at the Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton, with Pastor Ken McRaven officiating. Burial will follow in the Francisco Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until service time on Wednesday at the Colvin Funeral Home.  Military graveside services will be provided by Retired Military Veterans.