John Ward Bailey, 89, of rural Hartford City (Washington Twp. Blackford County), Indiana, passed away peacefully at home at 12:05 a.m. on Saturday, June 28, 2025.

Born in Jay County on December 11, 1935, John spent his early years in Jay County and lived most of his life in Washington Township, Blackford County. He married Crystal Irene (Dollar) Bailey on June 30, 1957, at Roll United Methodist Church, and together they shared a lifetime of love and partnership.

A 1953 graduate of Bryant High School in Jay County, and from 1954 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Army. John retired from Fisher Body in Marion in 1991 after 33 years of service. He was a proud member of the U.A.W. Local 977 and the Fisher Body Sympathy Club.

John was deeply involved in his community and held many memberships and leadership roles. He was a dedicated member of the Montpelier Masonic Lodge #600 F&AM, where he served as Past Master three times, secretary, and Worshipful Master of the lodge. He was also a member of the Blackford County Shrine Club, Fort Wayne Mizzah Club, Fort Wayne Scottish Rite Valley, and received the Notorious Service Award from the Scottish Rite. He served as Ambassador of the Lodge and Chairman of the Building Board.

John was a passionate advocate for youth programs. He was a 4-H leader, Blackford County Cub Scout and Boy Scout Master, where he founded the first 4-H boy scout troop in the nation. He led the Blackford Express (moped club), was active in the Blackford Circling Square Club, was a square dance caller and member of the Millard-Brown American Legion Post #156. He also supported the Jay County 4-H program and was famously known in Jay County as the "Tomato King."

He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Crystal Irene (Dollar) Bailey of Marion, IN, Daughter: Mary Ellen (Raymond) Turner of Montpelier, IN, Sons: Shan Ian Bailey of Montpelier, IN, Barry Lynn (Jama) Bailey of Batesville, IN, Sister: Barbara Jean Moses of Pennville, IN, Five grandchildren: Gary Turner, Kristy Turner, John Turner, Nathan L.D. Bailey, and Jalyn Bailey Allen, Three great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Lydia (Sherman) Bailey; brother, Orval Leroy Bailey; and sisters, Dorothy Pauline Bunsold, and Helen Maxine Fidler.

Family and Friends may gather to share and remember at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at Walker & Glancy Funeral Home, 109 W. Windsor Street, Montpelier, IN. A Masonic Service will be conducted by the Montpelier Masonic Lodge #600 F&AM at 10:15 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Steve Rogers officiating. Burial will take place in Gardens of Memory, Muncie, IN.

Memorial contributions in memory of John may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, where you can make your monthly or one-time gift by calling 1-855-365-4438. To mail your gift using a check or money order: Shriners Hospitals for Children P.O. Box 1525, Ranson, WV 25438.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Walker & Glancy Funeral Home in Montpelier, Indiana.