Gary Bailey, 68

Published 8:51 am Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Gary Arlen Bailey, 68,  passed away Saturday, March 5, 2011, at the Manly Care Center, where he lived for six years. Memorial services will be held at Round  Prairie Lutheran Church, rural Glenville, at 1 p.m. Friday. Interment will be at a later date.

Gary was born on Feb. 18, 1943, in Clarion, Iowa, to Robert Reed Bailey and Carol Bailey Peterson. Gary grew up in Dows, Clarion and Hampton, Iowa.

Gary was united in marriage to Kathy Ann Nelson on Aug. 29, 1975, at Round Prairie Lutheran Church, Glenville. To this union a son, Robert Bailey of Northwood, was born. Gary also had a daughter, Sherry Harper, from a previous marriage. Gary and Kathy made their home in rural Northwood, Iowa, for 35 years.

Gary drove a semi truck for 36 years from 1961 to 1997, until he retired due to illness. He was on his fourth million miles. Gary was also an owner-operator, worked at Winnebago Industries for two years as well as drove for Jensen Transport, CRST, and finally trucked for Donaldson’s until his retirement.

Gary and Kathy enjoyed camping and fishing, as a family, as often as possible.

Gary is survived by his wife of 35 years, Kathy; son, Robert, (Diane) Bailey of Northwood, Iowa; daughter, Sherry Harper, of Des Moines, Iowa; mother, Carol Peterson, of Hampton, Iowa; grandchildren: Dana Bergloff, Elisa Harper and Callie Harper; as well as great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Gary is also survived by his two sisters: Lynn Welch, of Wagner, Oklah., and Penny Warden of Hampton, Iowa, and several cousins.

Gary’s father, Robert Reed Bailey, died when Gary was 2 years old. He was also preceded in death by his step-father, Vern Peterson, and several aunts and uncles.

Gary is also survived by his faithful four-legged “kids”: Freckles, Sadie, Cuddles and Sir Puff.