Danny G. “Boone” Bailey, age 73, of Ebenezer, Missouri, passed peacefully away at his home on Monday, January 29, 2024. A lifelong resident of the Ebenezer area, Boone was born to Jack and Theda (Whitlock) Bailey on November 30, 1950, in Springfield, Missouri. After graduating from Willard High School in 1968, Boone joined the United States Army. For the next three years, Boone proudly served his country as a soldier in the Vietnam War. During his time in the Army, Boone was awarded several medals including the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. His last duty assignment was HHC 5^th BN TH Armor USAREUR. Boone was blessed with two daughters, Cheyenne and Libby, and a stepdaughter, Dana.

After receiving his honorable discharge from the Army, Boone returned home to work with his good friend, Norman Taylor, as an excavator and heavy equipment operator. While Boone enjoyed his work on the bulldozer, he couldn’t resist the opportunity to work at the Associated Wholesale Grocers (AG) Distribution Center in Springfield. From 1973 until his retirement in 2003, Boone served AG as a highly skilled and dedicated over-the-road truck driver. During his time at AG, Boone was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 245.

In 1998, Boone started a new life with his forever friend and soulmate, Linda Wadkins. The couple shared more than 26 years together before Boone’s untimely passing. After his retirement from AG, Boone’s passion for junking turned into another fulltime job. For the next 20 years, he became the quintessential junkman, collecting and recycling scrap-metal throughout the Springfield area. He even shared his love of junking with Linda. Working together, and with their junkyard dog, Chopper, Boone and Linda recycled countless tons of scrap-metal over the years. When not driving a truck or junking, Boone enjoyed playing his favorite slot machines at various casinos, especially at Downstream. He and Linda also shared a passion for auctions. The two could almost always be found attending a weekend auction somewhere in the region. Boone also enjoyed listening to country music and watching WWE, NASCAR, tractor pulls, and the Kansas City Chiefs. Boone will be remembered as a passionate, strong-willed, workaholic who loved his family beyond measure.

Boone was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Theda Bailey, and his sister, Jackie Woods. He is survived by his significant other of 26 years, Linda Wadkins; daughter, Cheyenne Beasley and her husband, Kenny; daughter, Olivia “Libby” Parks and her husband, Chuck; stepdaughter, Dana Boatright and her husband, Dave; grandson, Daniel Beasley; grandson, Conner Parks; four nephews; and a host of extended family and friends.

Boone’s family will host a visitation on Sunday, February 4, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 pm, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North in Springfield. A graveside service with pastor Bruce Harp officiating will be held on Monday, February 5, 2024, 10:00 am, at Robberson Prairie Cemetery.