Vernon Raymond Kailey, age 94, of Miles City passed away Saturday, July 7, 2012 at the Holy Rosary Extended Care in Miles City.
Vernon was born on October 1, 1917 in Blue Hill, Nebraska, the son of William Taylor and Harriet (Bower)Kailey. He attended schools in Nebraska and graduated from high school in Lawrence, Nebraska in 1935. Following graduation, he played professional baseball and became a pitcher, pitching in several leagues such as the Van Johnson in Beloit, Kansas and then to the St. Louis Cardinal Training Camp in Springfield, Missouri where he was injured and released. His next pitching job was in Montana in the Midland Empire League followed by a year in the Alabama State League at Andalusia, Alabama. He voluntarily enlisted in the Air Force in January of 1941, serving during World War II, where he served in the Middle East, North Africa, Syria, Egypt, and Italy before returning home in September of 1944. Vernon had met his future wife, Ilo Haywood in Forsyth, Montana in 1939 and they were married after the war in 1944. Vern attended the University of Nebraska and graduated in Education, majoring in History, Social Studies and Physical Education. Later he received his Master’s Degree at the University of Montana in School Administration. His teaching career started in 1948 and he retired in 1979. Vernon had an amassed a career of teaching, coaching, and administration which ended in 1979 serving as President of Miles Community College from 1970 to 1979.
Vernon served willingly on many councils, boards and committees. He was Director Area VI, Manpower Council Board of Directors, Miles City Chamber of Commerce, member of State Planning Committee for Vocational Education, President of Mountain States Association of Community College, President of Montana Community College Association, Miles City J.C. Boss of the Year in 1979, Assistant State Director of N.A.R.P., AARP State Legislative Committee Vice Chairman, and Assistant Montana State Director of N.R.T.A.
Vernon is survived by his wife, Ilo Kailey of Miles City, MT; a son, William T. (Lisa) Kailey of Epping, NH; a daughter Linda S. (Paul) Sandvig of Helena, MT; ten grandchildren, several great grandchildren, three great great grandchildren and several foster children. He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Nancy Kailey Thorne.
Family will receive friends on Friday, August 3, 2012 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Private family interment will be held in the Forsyth Cemetery at a later date. Should friends desire, condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials should be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Friday August 3, 2012
Stevenson Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Friday August 3, 2012
Stevenson Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
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Gracie Ann Waples Hill says
To the family of Vern kailey–he was a great influence in my life, helping me to attend college. He and my Dad had attended school in Forsyth in their younger years. Thank you Vern Kailey.
Cathy Barthelmess Donnelly says
Mrs. Kailey, I am sorry to hear of Verns passing. You are always such a “ray of sunshine” everytime I see you at the Eagles Manor. My mother Betty Ann surely enjoys your company. Hugs to you and your family.
Shannon & Bryan Holmen says
So sad to hear of your sweet dad/husband. He was such an educator,someone to be very proud of and to be missed forever. Our prayer is for your hearts to heal..
Scott and Sue Jens says
I was so saddened to read of coaches passing, I have always respected Vern in the upmost, guiding me and so many others to better things to come. Our deepest sympathy to your family. We have lost a truly great and giving man.
Sincerely,
Scott and Sue Jens and family
Chuck and Luann Pluhar says
Vern and Ilo too have always had a place in our hearts as they let us purchase their cabin at Hell Creek in 1988. We have enjoyed it so very much and think about them often, like when we talk about our first boat, (theres) and the way things were. Vern was a great guy. Our prayers are with the family. God Bless.
From Chuck and Luann Pluhar
Linda Polich says
Thinking of you today with much love.
Frank and Shirley Lund says
Ilo and famiy we extend our sincere sympathy. Vern was a kind, gentle man. I enjoyed the years I worked at the college with him. God bless.Shirley and Frank
Ted Stein says
Vern will always be a person that sticks in my mind. He was always a great person to be around and always someone that I had looked up to for the way that he cherishes MCC.
To the Kailey family…you all are in my thoughts as I sympathize for your loss. For as much as I admired him, I’m sure he was an even better family member!
B DEAN holmes says
Sorry to hear about Verns passing. Will alway remember him… and his passion for education.
J Nunnally says
I am sorry to learn of your family sorrow. The death of a loved one is painful. If I may, I’d like to share scripture found in your Bible that may comfort you in some way. Please take a moment to read…
Ec. 7:1 reads..A name is better than good oil, and the day of death then the day of one’s being born.
Ps.37:29 reads..The righteous themselves will possess the earth, and upon it they will reside forever upon it.
Also take a moment to read Isa 45:18.
Denise Harvey says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in the passing from this life of a wonderful man who always cared for others. I know he is having a joyous reunion with Nancy but will be missed by those here on earth.
John Clark says
You are the great people who have had a very positive impact on my life. I thank God that you are a part that.
Dona (Wynne) Stebbins says
Ty and Family,
So sad to hear of your Dad’s passing. He was a wonderful person, and led an amazing life. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Karen Losing says
Dear Ilo and Family, I’m so sorry for your loss of Vern. I didn’t work at the college when he was the president, but I know he was a good leader. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Joe and Maureen Herzog says
We certainly extend our sincere sympathy on your loss–the world’s loss. Vern led an exemplary life and is certainly warming the hearts of those in heaven.
You are in our love and prayers. We’ll be sending a meanwhile, may God grant you peace of heart. You have loved well!
Joe and Maureen Herzog
Bob and Diane Bogner says
We were greatly saddened to hear of the passing of Vern. Our thoughts and prays are with you all. I have fond memories of my year at Miles Jr. College where Vern was rhw basketball and baseball coach. We qualified for the regional tourney at Hibbing, Mn.At that time, it was exciting for a basketball team from the J. College to have that honor. We topped that off with a very successful baseball season. I’ve run into Vern numerous times since, visiting him and not having much time lately since we moved here. It was always a joy to talk and laugh with him, about the “old times together”. He will be greatly missed. Bob and Diane Bogner
Kathy Niklas Herman says
Marty and I extend our sympathy. You and Vern are shining lights in our memories from Miles City. Without a doubt Vern is collecting his heavenly rewards. With great affection, Kathy & Marty Herman.
Diana Yates Stieg says
He will be missed
Anita Kurtz says
Dear Ilo, I always enjoyed viisiting with Vern when he gave lessons at the Forsyth Golf Course. He was a super person and always very helpful. I enjoyed visiting you , Ilo, when you waited for Vern or brought him over to visit at the club. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. Love, Anita and Gene Kurtz, Forsyth
Dennis Kenney says
Ilo, you and Vern were always like family to Dixie and I. Vern was a great teacher and friend evan when he taught in Forsyth. As you know he was my high school basketball coach. Later he coached me in golf. We had many great times golfing. One thing I will always remember him telling me “Dennis it is not not how far you hit the ball but how many times.”
He will be greatly missed.
Our prayers are with you and your family.
Love, Dixie and Dennis Kenney
Cathe Smith says
Dear Ilo,
May your warm memories and good times be a source of comfort to you and your family during this difficult time. In Deepest Sympathy,
Your long time friend Cathe
Karen (Curran) Dutton says
To all of you,
I was so sad to read about Vern’s death. He touched so many lives and was such a big part of Miles City and was so interested in everything. He has left quite a legacy. Words simply do not convey all the sympathy that is being sent your way. Prayers are with all of you.
Kendra Kailey says
Thinking of you today, grandpa! I love you and miss you.