Posted on May 30, 2014

Puppy Jake Foundation’s CLARENCE is named after my father-in-law, Clarence Bailey, who was born April 24, 1931 in Ottawa, IL. In 1954, Clarence married Joyce Veronda of Marseilles. He served in the US Air Force in England and Germany as a communications lineman during the Korean War and was a member of the American Legion Post #235. 

Clarence was a graduate of Marseilles High School. Mr. Bailey was a commercial photographer for International Harvester and then a free-lance photographer for many years. For 24 years, Clarence was a Rutland Illinois Township Supervisor, was a member of the first Marseilles Board Police Commission, a former member of Marseilles Rotary Club and Northern Illinois Photographers Association. Clarence was a patriot who often shared emails and Facebook posts with his friends in support of our active military, veterans and his love of America.  

Shortly before his death on February 20th, 2014, Clarence got the chance to meet his namesake, service dog in training, CLARENCE. In spite of being in much pain near the end of his life, we got to see Mr. Bailey smile and laugh as he repeatedly said, “I love that dog!” CLARENCE the puppy, has already shown us an early vision of his ability to bring comfort to those in pain, both physically and emotionally. 

Lorraine Bailey
Puppy Raiser of CLARENCE