By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Loved ones have paid their respects to members of gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey’s family at a celebration of life in southern Illinois.

Darren’s son Zachary Bailey, Zach’s wife Kelsey, and their children, 12-year-old Vada Rose and 7-year-old Samuel died in a helicopter crash Oct. 22 in Montana.

Bryan Newswander, a friend and former pastor for the Baileys, spoke at Monday’s ceremony in Flora, Illinois.

“We’ve come together to honor the lives as family and friends, the lives that lived before our eyes on this Earth that were brief but will remain in our hearts forever,” Newswander said.

The celebration of life was held at Oil Belt Christian Service Camp in Flora, which was also the site of visitation on Sunday afternoon.

Newswander said he could see the Baileys’ joy each Sunday morning.

“No family is perfect. They were pretty close. They laughed, they loved, they lived, and you could see it through them all,” Newswander said.

Darren and his wife Cindy’s other grandson, Finn, age 10, was not on the helicopter and survives, “surrounded by loving family,” according to a statement from Darren Bailey. Newswander said the Baileys’ dog Lego, however, was with Zach, Kelsey, Vada Rose and Samuel in passing.

No elected officials spoke at the event, which was carried live on Blue Room Stream.

Tyler Sterchi, pastor of New Hope Church in Effingham, said said he was thankful for Zach and Kelsey Bailey and their family.

“You give me a hundred families like the Baileys, we’ll take Illinois for the kingdom of God,” Sterchi said.

Sterchi said Zach got his helicopter pilot’s license with the intent of doing mission work overseas, and Kelsey started a health and fitness business while homeschooling her kids and caring for her family.

“Who does things like that? People who have a life with God that not even death can interrupt,” Sterchi said.

A number of Christian musicians and the dance team from Full Armor Christian Academy performed at the celebration of life.

Private burial was scheduled at Oskaloosa Cemetery.

Darren Bailey’s running mate for lieutenant governor, Aaron Del Mar, said last week that no decisions would be made about the future of their campaign until after services were completed.