Marleen Kahuluula Lawhorn Bailey (86) of Neoga

Marleen Kahuluula Lawhorn Bailey, 86, of Neoga, Illinois passed away at 5:20 PM Thursday January 16, 2025 in the Willow Breeze Hospice House in Mattoon, Illinois.

She was born January 15, 1939 in Anahola Kauai, Hawaii, the daughter of Arnold and Pearl (Lovell) Rapozo. Marleen was a proud Veteran of the United States Army. She married John Lawhorn, May 2, 1959, Mr. Lawhorn preceded her in death in 2001. She then married Dale Bailey September 3, 2005 Mr. Bailey passed away in 2010. Marleen worked at the General Electric Lamp Plant in Mattoon, Illinois and a homemaker. She was a member of the Koolau Huiia Protestant Church, Neoga American Legion; the American Legion Auxiliary; a former the Neoga American Legion Honor Guard; a former member of the Moose Club in Mattoon, Illinois. 

Marleen enjoyed sewing, quilting, and golf and she loved spending time with family and friends, her great granddaughters, Addi and Olivia held a special place in Marleen’s heart.

She is survived by her daughters, Diana Lawhorn of Carmel, Indiana and Kimberly Thomson and her special friend John Ashbaugh of Charleston, Illinois; one grandson, Hunter Thomson (Nikki); two great granddaughters, Adeline Thomson and Olivia Thomson; Sister, Daisy Fujimoto.            

Marleen was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, John and Dale; son, Michael Lawhorn and son in law, Dave Thomson.

As per her wishes cremation rites will be accorded and a Celebration of Life will be held at 12:00 Noon Friday January 24, 2025 at the Swengel - O’Dell Funeral Home in Neoga, Illinois, with Military Honors by the Neoga Legion. Visitation will be held Friday, January 24, 2025 from 10:00 AM until service time at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Dodge Grove Cemetery at a later date.

Marleen’s family would like to express their gratitude to Ivan Boehm PA and staff of the Neoga Sarah Bush Lincoln Clinic and the Willow Breeze Hospice House in Mattoon, Illinois for their compassionate care of their mother during the time she was there.

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