Elton Van Vlack Bailey, Jr., 86, died on Tuesday, October 22, 2013 at Westchester Medical Center following a brief illness. Elton was a lifelong resident of Hopewell Junction and resided at Silver Ledge Farm.
Born in Poughkeepsie on March 6, 1927, he was the son of the late Elton Van Vlack Bailey, Sr. and Adeline Horton Bailey. He graduated with a Bachelor's Degree from Cornell University in 1951.
Elton worked his entire life farming the land that was in his family for generations. He was very interested in conservation, preservation, and history; however, his true passion was horses. An advocate for open space, he worked to maintain and protect the family farm. He will forever be remembered by all who knew him as a loving, good, and kind gentleman.
He belonged to the Trinity Episcopal Church in Fishkill. He was a member of the Mid Hudson Driving Association, the Southern Dutchess Horse and Pony Association, the Dutchess Land Conservancy, and the Fishkill Historical Society. He also belonged to the East Fishkill Historical Society, where he worked tirelessly to save the Palen House.
Elton is survived by his close friends, Richard Whalen and Jean Blauvelt; several cousins; and many loving friends in the Mid Hudson Driving Association who visited him every Friday and took him riding.
Calling hours will be held on Friday from 4:00 – 7:30pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The funeral service will follow at 7:30pm at the funeral officiated by Rev. Jean Campbell. The burial at Hopewell Cemetery will be private.
Donations may be made in Elton's memory to the East Fishkill Historical Society, PO Box 245, Hopewell Jct., NY 12533.
For driving directions, online condolences, or memorial donations, please visit Elton's Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.