Herman T. Bailey

Herm loved good food, firecrackers, the Chicago Cubs, Snickers, dogs (especially Meg and Gin), the Drake Relays, the study of weather, and a really good martini. For nearly 95 years he made the most of all the richness life offers. His life ended at his home in Clive on December 31, 2016.

Asked recently for his rules for living, he said he has always tried to give more than he received. His goals were to work hard, respect everyone, and be fair. He admired truth. He was eager to read and learn and exchange ideas. He kept his mind open and flexible. He liked people with a sense of humor.

Herm grew up in Winfield, Iowa, and completed high school in Ames in 1940. An engineering student at Iowa State, he volunteered in the Army Air Corps and served as a meteorologist for three-and-a-half years. During the war he married Mary. They had two sons.

After finishing studies at Iowa State in 1947, he earned a Juris Doctor degree at the University of Iowa Law School in 1949. He practiced law in Ottumwa for six years and served as assistant county attorney there for two years. Herm joined the Law Department of Bankers Life Company in Des Moines in 1955. He retired as General Counsel in 1987. He was very pleased that the Principal lawyers honored him by volunteering, with company support, at Iowa Legal Aid - a practice that continues to this day.

He married Ruth in 1982. In retirement they lived in northern Minnesota and later in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. He enjoyed his beloved dogs, cooking many meals for guests, living on beautiful lakes, and watching clouds and storms. They returned to Des Moines in 2013 and have lived at Walnut Ridge in Clive.

Those inspired by his life include Ruth; their four sons, Mike (Judy) Bailey, Tracy (Jeanne) Bailey, Douglas (Char) Everett, and David (Nora) Everett; eight grandchildren, Terri, Gina, Ann, Eamonn, Ryan, Jill, Kaitlin, and Cassie; his sister, Sally (Warren) Wulfekuhler; Ruth’s siblings, Charles (Sue) Carpenter and Ann Douglas; four great-grandchildren; and many friends, some four-legged.

Friends who wish to make a memorial gift in Herm’s honor may donate to Iowa Legal Aid, the United Way (both at 1111 Ninth St., Des Moines, IA 50314), or the Nature Conservancy (505 Fifth Ave., Des Moines, IA 50309).

The family plans a memorial celebration on March 25, 2017, Herm’s 95th birthday, at the Wakonda Club.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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