Maston Eugene "Gene" Bailey, 76, of Belding, formerly of Saranac, passed away in the early morning hours of Friday, Dec. 21, 2012, under the care of his loving family and Ionia Area Hospice.

He was born on May 10, 1936 in McGuffey, Ohio, to Adam and Dora (Sparks) Bailey.

Gene relocated to Michigan with his family while still in his youth and attended Lake Odessa Schools. He attended Galilee Baptist Church in Saranac and worked as an Operating Engineer with Local 324, retiring with more than 30 years of service. Gene was highly skilled at his trade and was often given the most difficult projects to complete.

He loved his dear family and will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Josephine; children, Randy Bailey of Saranac, Rick Bailey of Belding, Ron (Mary) Bailey of Hawaii and Denise (Tim) Rowe of Saginaw, Texas; 17 grandchildren including Brandon Bailey and Derick (Stormy) Bailey both of Grand Rapids, Matt Bailey and Holly (Sam) Smith of Saranac; seven great grandchildren, including Bailey, Ayrella, Gracie, Parker and Ahsley; siblings, Imogene (Leon) Sutfin, of Harrison, Vonda (Ron) Chick-Morea of Flint, Charlotte (Denny) Morrell of Gladwin, Linda Makeinda of Springfield, Mo., Brenda Bailey of Lima, Ohio, and Ray (Julie) Bailey of Mason; two aunts, Fannie (Loren) Blocker of Lowell and Kizzie Lawrence of Ada, Ohio; many nieces, nephews cousins and friends from Belding and Saranac; special friends and business associates from the Maple Rapids Sawmill and Lumber company including Dick Grubaugh, his son Randy and the entire family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother Joe Bailey in June of 2012; and two aunts, Edna Doyle and Hazel Oatten.

There will be no visitation or funeral services scheduled at this time, but a Graveside Committal Service is being planned for spring. Those wishing to express their sympathy are welcomed to consider a contribution in Gene's memory to Ionia Area Hospice.

For additional information, please contact Verdun Family Funeral Home, 303 S. Bridge St., Belding, at (616) 794-1300 or verdunfh.com, who is caring for the arrangements.