Jerome Wayne Bailey

Jerome “Jerry” Wayne Bailey, 73, passed away on Monday, March 14, 2011. He passed peacefully with his daughter by his side. He was truly one of a kind and touched the lives of so many; his essence and wisdom will be with us always. Jerry was born December 8, 1937 in Humboldt, Kansas to Frank Wayne and Marguerite Honoree Bailey. He graduated from Humboldt High School in 1955, and began his illustrious career in broadcasting at KCRB radio in Chanute, KS.

Jerry graduated from The University of Kansas in 1960 with a degree in Journalism and went to work with Rogers & Smith Advertising in Kansas City, MO. From 1963 – 1967 Jerry worked as a sportscaster for KFH radio in Wichita, KS. In 1967 he began a 10 year era with KTSB-TV in Topeka, KS as a TV Sports anchor and co-host of a mid-day news and interview show. He was also a sportscaster for KTPK Radio in Topeka for over 20 years. During this time Jerry also broadcast all KU football and basketball games on a state wide network; Jerry was the radio voice of the Univ. of Kansas Jayhawks. In 1977 he started his own advertising company, “Jerry Bailey Advertising and Public Relations” in Topeka, KS. From1986 - 2006 he was the business owner of Architectural Associates which published specialized directories for people in and related to the building and construction industry.

For the past five years, Jerry’s greatest pleasure was writing and performing with the Murfreesboro Little Theater. With over 25 stage plays to his credit, Jerry was man who lived his life to the fullest; every day with vigor and bravado. And while the end of his life was tragically unexpected, he literally lived right up to the end doing what he loved. Jerry collapsed from an aneurysm while performing the lead role of Max, in the play The Homecoming.

Jerry had a warm heart with an easy going approach to life and was an engaging person to be around. He will be dearly missed by all that knew him, especially his daughter Heather Bailey of Savannah, GA, son, J. Bailey of South Lake Tahoe, California, his nephew David and niece Jade Marie, and his fiancée Marilyn Hibdon of Murfreesboro, TN.

In true Jerry style, a Celebration event will take place at 6 p.m. on Monday, March 21st at the MLT theatre in Murfreesboro TN. All family and friends are invited. Memorial contributions may be made to the Murfreesboro Little Theatre, 702 Ewing Boulevard, Murfreesboro, TN 37130. www.mltarts.com Emails may be sent to his daughter at [email protected] WOODLAWN-ROESCH-PATTON FUNERAL HOME, (615)383-4754.