H. Van Bailey, II

H. Van Bailey II, age 81, of North Webster, Indiana, and formerly of Huntington, passed away on March 10, 2026, at Peabody Retirement Community in North Manchester, Indiana. Born on December 24, 1944, in Saint Johns, Michigan, to the late Harold Van I and Bonnie (Ream) Bailey, Van grew up with a deep love for athletics and learning that would shape his life.

A standout student-athlete at Huntington High School, Van excelled in basketball, football, and track before continuing his athletic career at Butler University on a full scholarship, where he played football and ran track under legendary coach Tony Hinkle. After graduating in 1967, he dedicated nearly two decades to education as principal of Huntington North High School. Under his leadership, the school saw significant academic growth while maintaining strong athletic programs, including state championships in girls’ basketball and baseball.

Van’s commitment to community was evident throughout his life. A longtime member of the Huntington Rotary Club, he served as president and received the Distinguished Service Award. He was named Indiana Association of School Principals State Principal of the Year in 2000 and was inducted into both the Huntington North High School Sports Hall of Fame and the Huntington Pal Club Hall of Fame. In retirement, he remained active at Lake Webster, serving as president of the Webster Lake Association, and was a member of Saint Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Syracuse.

Above all, Van cherished his family. He is survived by his wife, Judy; daughters Kristin (Eric) May of Huntington and Bridgette (Andy) Barker of Noblesville; stepdaughter Michelle (Dan) Degnan of Westfield; stepsons Jon (Amy) Lippe of Claypool, Chad (Jodi) Lippe of Huntington, and Jason (Ruth) Lippe of Carmel; sister Jane (David) Myers of Van Wert, Ohio; eighteen grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. His kindness, wisdom, and steady presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.