Vern L. Bailey passed away peacefully on Friday December 7, 2018, at age 73.  Vern was born February 6, 1945, to Wesley Parker and Vivian Lamb Bailey in Mt. Pleasant, Utah.  He was the third child in his family, joining older brothers Arthur Allen Bailey (Kay), both deceased, and David Bailey (Connie).  Younger brothers are Daniel Bailey, deceased, (Kay), Michael Bailey (Dianne), Joe Bailey, and Max Bailey (Carmae).  Step siblings are Kenneth Fox (Katie), Lynette Fox, and Lynnae Fox.

Vern grew up in Wales, Utah, where he and his brothers became good friends and developed a unique sense of fairness and appreciation for others; a trait they still maintain today.  After the death of their father, the family moved to Orem, where Vern excelled in athletics and graduated in 1963 from Orem High School.  He continued his education at the University of Utah and graduated with a B.S. in Banking and Finance in 1967.

Vern married Audrey Gillman in Orem, Utah.  They have two children: Jefferson Bailey (Beth), and Parker Bailey.  They have six incredible grandchildren whom he dearly loved.

After college graduation, Vern joined the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ranger for two years.  He completed his Naval service in Washington, D.C. 

Upon completing his military service, Vern commenced a long career in community banking beginning with Wasatch Bank in 1972.  He proudly served the Utah County business community and co-founded the American Bank of Commerce in 1996.

He loved being a father and grandfather.  He enjoyed attending college football games and watching his two sons play football through their college careers.  Vern and Audrey were football season ticket holders at the University of Utah for 20 years.  His failing health prevented him from attending the 2018 fall season.  He enjoyed being on the golf course and taking drives in the mountains.  He was a 30-year leukemia survivor and served as a mentor for those battling cancer.

Viewing and funeral will be held at Walker Sanderson Funeral Home, 636 East 800 North, Orem, Utah 84097 on Saturday, December 15.  The viewing is from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and the funeral will begin at 11:00 a.m.  Graveside service will follow immediately at the Orem City Cemetery. Military rites to be performed by Naval Reserve.

Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.walkersanderson.com.

www.walkersanderson.com