Donald Ralph Bailey
October 6th, 1941 - October 20th, 2025
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Donald's Obituary
Donald Ralph Bailey, 84, of Decatur, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Monday, October 20, 2025 at his home in Decatur. He was born October 6, 1941 in Watervliet, MI to Lester and Mildred (Leach) Bailey.
The family will receive guest from 10:30am until time of celebration of life service at 12pm, Saturday, October 25, 2025 at Newell Chapel, 83313 M-51, Decatur. Interment will be held privately. Light luncheon to follow at the VFW Post #6248 in Decatur; all are welcome. Those wishing to leave a condolence for the family may do so at www.newellchapel.com.
Don will be remembered fondly for his incredible work ethic. Whether it was setting die casts or re-building classic cars, he was always busy with some project or another around the house or simply helping his family. He remained extremely active, up until illness took hold several months ago.
Don will be missed dearly by his wife of 65 years, Patricia (Sandberg) Bailey, whom he married on August 27, 1960 in Kalamazoo; his children, Donald (Donna) Bailey, Kimberly (Kenneth Holland) Sabo-Holland, and Stacy Johnson; his grandchildren, Samantha Johnson, Matthew (Tonya) Johnson, Cory Sabo, Cynthia (Justin) Triestram, Brad Johnson, Kyle (Anna) Bailey, Nicole (Destin) Koppers, Jason Bailey, Emilee (Justin) Wood, Rachel (Kameron) Stortz, and Jacob Bailey; 21 great grandchildren; and his sister, Linda (the late Jerry) Curtis.
He is preceded in death by his son, Gregory Bailey; his grandson, Shane Bailey; his siblings, David Bailey, Marian Strand, Sandy Rouse, and Dennis Bailey; and his parents.
The family will receive guest from 10:30am until time of celebration of life service at 12pm, Saturday, October 25, 2025 at Newell Chapel, 83313 M-51, Decatur. Interment will be held privately. Light luncheon to follow at the VFW Post #6248 in Decatur; all are welcome. Those wishing to leave a condolence for the family may do so at www.newellchapel.com.
Don will be remembered fondly for his incredible work ethic. Whether it was setting die casts or re-building classic cars, he was always busy with some project or another around the house or simply helping his family. He remained extremely active, up until illness took hold several months ago.
Don will be missed dearly by his wife of 65 years, Patricia (Sandberg) Bailey, whom he married on August 27, 1960 in Kalamazoo; his children, Donald (Donna) Bailey, Kimberly (Kenneth Holland) Sabo-Holland, and Stacy Johnson; his grandchildren, Samantha Johnson, Matthew (Tonya) Johnson, Cory Sabo, Cynthia (Justin) Triestram, Brad Johnson, Kyle (Anna) Bailey, Nicole (Destin) Koppers, Jason Bailey, Emilee (Justin) Wood, Rachel (Kameron) Stortz, and Jacob Bailey; 21 great grandchildren; and his sister, Linda (the late Jerry) Curtis.
He is preceded in death by his son, Gregory Bailey; his grandson, Shane Bailey; his siblings, David Bailey, Marian Strand, Sandy Rouse, and Dennis Bailey; and his parents.
Service Details
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