By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Berny Lee Bailey 1949 - 2021
Berny Lee Bailey 1949 - 2021
Berny Lee Bailey 1949 - 2021

Berny Lee Bailey, 71, Hays, died Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at HaysMed.

He was born May 21, 1949 in McCook, Nebraska, the son of Clarence and Lavina (Flaska) Bailey. In 1967, he graduated from St. John High School, and in 1971, he graduated from Fort Hays State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education. Berny was a physical education and social studies teacher in the Larned School District, and after earning a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Fort Hays State University, he was a school counselor in the Larned Schools and at Great Bend High School.

On June 13, 1970 he was united in marriage to Donna Kisner at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays, and they celebrated 50 years of marriage. He was a farmer and learned carpentry from his father, which led him to become a skilled craftsman. He used these skills to remodel his homes and build furniture for his family. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and played trumpet in the Eddie Frank Band. He loved his family and enjoyed golfing, bowling, playing pickle ball, water sports, traveling, and riding his motorcycle.

Survivors include his wife Donna of Hays, his mother-in-law: Virginia Kisner of Hays, a son: Brett Bailey and wife Paulia of Larned, two daughters: Rebecca Bailey and husband Chris of Shawnee and Stacey Bernal and husband Kris of Halstead, a brother: Vern Bailey and wife Melanie of Bunker Hill, a brother-in-law: Kenny Schepmann of Leon, and seven grandchildren: Addison, Isabella, Adam, Bailey, Sydney, Brenley, and Berkley.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law: Vernon Kisner, and his sister: Carol Schepmann. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with Fr. Brian Lager officiating. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Pfeifer. Visitation will be from 6-7:30 p.m. on Friday and from 9-9:45 a.m. on Saturday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. The family requests that all attending the visitation and funeral mass wear masks. Memorials in Berny’s memory may be made payable to: HaysMed Foundation. Condolences and memories of Berny may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com


Funeral arrangements provided by

Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home

1906 Pine St.

Hays, KS 67601

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Feb. 26, 2021