Kenneth Warren Bailes

Kenneth Warren Bailes, 89, of Houston, Texas went home to heaven on Saturday October 15, 2011 after suffering from complications due to COPD and cancer. He was born on October 11, 1922 in Robeline, Louisiana to Leo and Pearl Bailes. He graduated from Kilgore High School in 1939 and then received his associate degree from Kilgore Junior College in 1941. Kenneth volunteered for the US Army Air Corp on November 4, 1942. He served in China, Burma, and India. He was honorably discharged in March 1946 and then later recalled for 1 year of service in the Korean War from 1950-1951. Kenneth then married Elizabeth Washington on April 14, 1950. A daughter, Cathy was born in October 1951 and then a son-in-law, Larry was adopted in 1976. He received his only and beloved granddaughter, Laurel, in 1986. Kenneth was in heavy equipment rental and sales in the Houston/Pasadena area for over 50 years, known for his honesty and integrity in business transactions. He was a gifted musician-played the clarinet and saxophone from age 11 until he retired from playing in the Joe Scalise Dance Band here in Houston in the 80’s. He was a member of the Houston Musicians Union. Kenneth was honored to be ordained as a deacon at Sharpstown Baptist Church, where he also sang in the choir and taught Bible Study classes. For the last 23 years, he has been a member at Second Baptist Church, where he also sang in the choir and served as a deacon until health issues prevented his serving. His hobbies included oil painting, building and collecting model trains, and most recently, building and flying remote control airplanes. Kenneth is survived by his loving wife, Betty Bailes; daughter and son-in-law, Cathy & Larry Wheatley; and by his granddaughter, Laurel Wheatley. The family wishes to thank Dr. Kim Bloom and his staff for their excellent care and compassion these last few years. Memorial Services will be held on Wednesday October 19, 2011 at 10:00am in the Second Baptist Church Chapel at Woodway and Voss. A reception will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, family requests charitable gifts be made to Cornerstone Family Ministries, 9560 Long Point Rd., Houston, Texas 77055 or Second Baptist Church Music Ministry, 6400 Woodway, Houston, Texas 77057.