2014 Union County - Verna Bailey

Union County Friends of 4-H has proudly selected Verna Bailey and the late Paul Bailey as 2014 inductees into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame. Verna and Paul, of Creston, became involved in Union County 4-H in the 1970’s, first as parents and then as leaders of the Douglas Boosters, serving from 1975 to 1977. Though neither had been a member of 4-H, Verna and Paul willingly took their turn as leaders.

As leaders, they helped establish the continuing tradition of the annual family camp out, typically held at Green Valley State Park. Since 1955, Paul and Verna combined their love of camping and 4-H as annual State Fair campers. Many times their camper housed their family and other 4-H members during weekend cattle shows and competitions.

Verna and Paul’s involvement in 4-H continued long past the time their three sons completed the program. Paul shared his love for and knowledge of beef cattle with his sons and many other young men, and eventually young women as the days of “boys’” and “girls’” clubs ended. He was a long-time member of the beef and sale committees for the Union County Fair, and Paul never missed beef show day. Verna spent many years helping with exhibits judging in the exhibit building as well as baking pies for the annual Friends of 4-H fund-raiser auction. Though their support of 4-H never waned, their enthusiasm took on a new spark once their grandchildren became 4-H members. 

Because of their time, contributions and devotion to 4-H, Verna and Paul were named honorary 4-H members by the Douglas Boosters 4-H members.

Supporting and encouraging youth has been always been a passion for Verna and Paul. Avid sports fans, they served as Creston Mat Boosters presidents in 1976-77. For their devotion to all youth in all activities, they were named as 2003-04 Fans of the Year by the Creston Activities Booster Club. In addition, Creston FFA Chapter members selected the couple to receive the FFA Pride Award in 2004-05.

Paul served as Lion’s Club president. Paul and Verna were officers of the Cromwell United Church of Christ, where Verna remains an active member. In 2010, the couple was Relay for Life Grand Marshalls in Union County.

Regardless of the event or activity,  Paul and Verna have been there; encouraging, teaching, cheering and supporting the youth of Creston and Union County, particularly their six children, 11 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.