Gary Lee Bailey

It is with much sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, son, brother and Papaw B, Gary L. Bailey, age 52. He was born to proud parents Carlin H. and Betty J. Galloway Bailey on January 21, 1959 in Connersville. Lovingly referred to by his Mother as “My Favorite Son,” he gave much joy and love to everyone that surrounded him. In the beginning making his home in Laurel, the family relocated to Posey Township in northern Fayette County in October 1965 where he spent his formative years. Known by those around him by his fiery spirit and work ethic, ha had a love for go-carts, motorcycles, his dogs and working for local farmers baling straw and hay. He attended Bentonville Elementary School and graduated from Connersville High School and the Connersville Area Vocational School in 1977. In September of 1982, he married the former Karen S. Baker of Connersville. Together they raised three children, Chris, Zach and Lydia until Karen’s brave battle with breast and bone cancer ended her life in April 2002. Gary worked as a welder and fabricator for Lee Cylinder in Cambridge City, McCombs and Sons, Rogers Engineering and Lake Innovative Group, all in Connersville. He presently working as a flat-bed truck driver for Fraley and Schilling of Rushville. Gary loved NASCAR, Dale Earnhardt, NHRA and University of Kentucky basketball. In his leisure time, he enjoyed riding his ATV, fishing, boating and feeding the hummingbirds. Gary is survived by his children and their spouses: Christopher Bailey and Christina of Greensburg, Zachary Bailey of Connersville, Lydia Bailey Derringer and Eddie of Louisville, Kentucky; his Mother: Betty J. Bailey of Connersville; two sisters: Deborah A. Bailey and Karen S. Fisher, both of Cambridge City; his Mother-in-law and Father-in-law: Alfred and Lexa Baker of Connersville; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Anita Faye and Bill James, Steve and Mary Baker, all of Connersville; seven grandchildren: Jacob, Austin, Cameron, Gavyn, Karin, Azlynn and Jasmine; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, special friends and his second family at Fraley and Schilling. Gary was preceded in death by his wife, Karen, his father, Carlin who died in November 1991 and Mother-in-law, Joan Baker who died in November 1998. Gary will be layed to rest beside his beloved, Karen in Valley Grove Cemetery in Wayne County. If you wish to pay your respects and join us in the Celebration of Life, please do so at Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel Connersville where visitation will be conducted from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday and the funeral service at 10 a.m. Saturday with Rev. Fuzzy Lake officiating. Memorial contributions may be made at the funeral home to the Fayette County Cancer Society. For additional information and to send condolences or memories, go to www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com.