Brent Estle Bailey

Brent was born in Denver, Colorado, on August 12, 1944, to parents Estle and Mary Bailey. He spent his early years in Englewood and then, in 6th grade, Brent’s family moved to Littleton.

During his formative years in Littleton, Brent was a Boy Scout, began taking trumpet lessons, and became part of DeMolay – an International Leadership Organization.

Upon his graduation from Littleton High School in 1962, Brent enrolled in College at the University of Northern Colorado - then known as Colorado State Teachers’ College.

At UNC, Brent was a highly accomplished trumpeter but also enjoyed singing tenor in several Barbershop quartets in both high school and college.

Upon graduation, Brent got his first job teaching band in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, but only stayed for a year before he heard Littleton calling…

Brent taught both choir and Instrumental music at Euclid Junior High School and Instrumental Music at Heritage High School, both in Littleton.

He loved expressing himself creatively by designing the band's halftime shows with elaborate costumes, intricate marching formations, and music and drum cadences that he occasionally wrote himself.

When Brent retired from teaching circa 1978, he began TIME-OUT Sports Lettering – a screen-printing and sporting goods business. He continued to channel his creativity and entrepreneurial strengths into what became a very successful business that served hundreds of businesses, schools, and sports teams for decades.

He decided to retire for good in 2008 and sell his business.

As an adult, Brent loved to travel He became a lifelong student in sundry topics: NASA, “Air Drumming” and “Air Directing”, along with the radio or TV, Galaxies, The Holy Land, Big Band music, Italy, Classical music, golf, and fishing.

Strange though it was, despite practicing golf and fishing extensively, he never really improved his skills in either category.

Brent had a great sense of humor and was a wonderful storyteller.

However, he did not have a sense of humor about the Denver Broncos. When watching games, he was all business. He was silent and became easily irritated if there was much chit-chat or other noise in the room.

Brent was known to be a bit mischievous. During the Thanksgiving dinners when his son, nephews, and niece were very young, he taught us to clear an olive dish by placing one olive on the end of each finger for a fancy and mobile snack. Grandma Bailey started having to buy many more cans of black olives each year!

Brent was a loving father and grandfather. He loved to attend his children and grandchildren’s sporting and art events over the years and was very proud of all their accomplishments.

He always wanted to know how everyone was doing and what they were up to, even in his final days.

Brent also enjoyed giving gifts, sending flowers, and celebrating holidays and birthdays with his family.

Brent is survived by his son, Christian Bailey (Shelly) of Denver, Colorado, and daughter, Jessica Dunbar (Tim) of Lakewood, Colorado, as well as grandchildren - Max Bailey, Sydney Bailey, Adilyn Dunbar, and Eli Dunbar.

Brent is also survived by his brother Craig Bailey (Nancy) of Parker, Colorado, and his sister Jann Bailey of Castle Pines, Colorado.

He leaves behind his nephew, Darren (Lisa) Bailey of Sedro-Woolley, Washington, and niece, Kieran Rich (Jeffrey) of Irmo, South Carolina.

He was preceded in death by his cherished daughter, Dana Bailey, who passed away in 1970.

Also preceding Brent in death were his parents, Estle & Mary Bailey, nephew, Shawn Bailey, as well as grandparents and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A private graveside service will be held later.

Condolences may be sent to:

The Bailey Family

1014 Bramblewood Dr.

Castle Pines, CO 80108

In honor of Brent's memory, donations may be made to the Littleton Public Schools Foundation, with all contributions benefiting the Euclid Middle School Band—a program close to his heart. To make a gift, please visit https://lpsfoundation.com/how-to-help/donate-today.html.

Be sure to check the box on the donation form labeled “Dedicate this gift” and type in “Brent Bailey” so your donation is directed appropriately.

On behalf of the Bailey Family, thank you for celebrating Brent's life by supporting music education and giving the gift of life-long music to students, just like the ones Brent cared so deeply about.