David Bailie

After 20+ years of dealing with Parkinson’s and its side effects, David A. Bailie, 77, peacefully passed away on the morning of Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Born December 21, 1948, in Evanston, Illinois, he was a son of the late George and Virginia Bailie. He was a 1970 graduate of Pennsylvania’s Westminster College, B. A. Bailie was a few months into law school at the University of Illinois when his number was called in the military draft. He served in the Army for almost two years and then was able to return to law school in August 1972. Bailie received his J.D. from the University of Illinois College of Law in 1975. He was hired as an assistant in Champaign County and later served as first assistant for the Champaign County State’s Attorney’s Office.

In February 1981 he joined the law firm of Thomas Mamer & Haughey. Bailie was hired as an associate and handled personal injury and product liability cases. When he became a partner with the firm, he mainly focused on defending medical and legal malpractice cases. He was the managing partner for the last twelve years of his career. Bailie’s picture now hangs on the wall of the firm’s Heritage Conference Room, alongside three other partners, in recognition of his contributions to Thomas Mamer.

Bailie also served as an adjunct professor of advocacy at the UI College of Law. It was a position that he thoroughly enjoyed. His professional memberships included Champaign County Bar Association, Illinois State and American Bar Associations, Federation of Insurance and Corporate Counsel, Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel and Defense Research Institute. He was admitted to Illinois, U.S. District Court, Central and Southern Districts of Illinois, U. S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit, U.S. Supreme Court.

He is survived by his wife, Laurel, and two daughters: Anne Matherly (David Matherly) from Parker, CO. and Jane Norder (Dustin Norder) of Champaign. He has five grandchildren: Ava, Zoe, and Elsa Matherly and Edsen and Ella Norder.

Also surviving is his sister Barbara Mattingly (Roger Mattingly). Bailie was preceded in death by his brother, George R. Bailie.

Bailie treasured the time with his family. He was a devoted husband and a caring, involved, patient and loving father. He was always 100% there for school and sports events, shopping trips. and spontaneous outings. When he was practicing law and it was time for a vacation, Bailie told the opposing counsel that if a settlement was going to be accomplished, it needed to be completed by noon because he was going on a family vacation and would not be available. The attorney thought he was kidding to which Bailie said “no”. The settlement was reached before noon. Favorite vacations included cottage time at Diamond Lake, MI., and skiing down the slopes of Colorado.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 31, 2026, at Faith United Methodist Church, Champaign. Visitation will be from 3 – 4:00 p.m. with a service following. Bailie was a long-time member at Faith, served on various committees/boards, participated in bible studies, and went on several mission trips. Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Champaign, has been entrusted with additional arrangements.

A special thank you to some of the dedicated and caring staff on the 9th floor of Carle Foundation Hospital – Alexis, Gladys, Shelby, Logan, Mac, and Amy.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the homeless shelter, C-U at Home (David worked at the men’s shelter) or Faith United Methodist Church – adult mission trips.

Please join David’s family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

Cremation arrangements have been made at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center's Champaign Chapel 710 N. Neil St. in Champaign, IL. 61820.