Danny Leon Bailey 53, went to be with his Lord and Savior in his home by his wife’s side, at 1:30 AM Thursday morning June 22nd, of a massive heart attack. Danny was born on September 17th, 1963 to Bob and Loretta Bailey in Springfield, Missouri. He was proceeded in death by his parents, two brothers, Thomas Edward (Eddie) Bailey and Michael Dewain Bailey, a niece Michelle Lee Bailey, a nephew Bobby Dean Bailey , and an Aunt Lucille Flint.
Danny Is survived by his wife Maribelle and son Danny Leon Bailey II (DJ), step daughter Marlana Tabor and his best buddy, his grandson—-Ryder of the home in Rogersville, Missouri. His big brother Max Allen Bailey of Rogersville, who has always been the caregiver of the family, continuing on with his little and last brother. He endlessly helped with Danny and his failing health. A niece Jennifer Bailey Connors , husband Chad and great nephew Kolby of Willard. A nephew, Travis Michael Bailey (Fiancee Tracy of Kansas City), an Uncle Frank Bailey (wife Madelyn) of Springfield, an Uncle Chester Cossins ( wife Laurella) of Brighton, Missouri. A very special Sister-In-Law and life long friend, Sheryl Bailey of Strafford. A sister-in –law Vonda Panzica (husband Bob of Nixa), a brother-in-law Norman Cunningham (wife Vickie) of Phillipsburg, Missouri. Cousins, Judy, Jimmy, David, Tommy, Tim and his best bud through thick and thin Lisa. And a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
March 17, 1992, he married the love of his life, Maribelle Cunningham. From this marriage, a precious baby boy was born. DJ bailey was born on January 10th, 1993. Becoming a father was possibly one of the greatest joys of life. He so wanted to re-experience the special father son relationship he and his Dad had, with DJ. He spent his life trying to tend to every need and want he could possibly provide. His love for DJ was deep and unconditional.
In DJ’s younger years, Danny was very involved in any sport DJ participated in. Usually being the coach or assistant coach of any team DJ was on. Danny enjoyed this, having been a big sports enthusiast himself during his childhood into his High School years. After high school, Danny was on a Triple A Softball team that traveled to several states playing ball. He always had a lot of stories and good times he shared with his team.
Danny attended Strafford school for most of his school years. He met many of his true lifetime friends in these years, friendships that have continued through his life and even in his death. These friends have always come through for him and Maribelle. He and Maribelle went to Strafford from 6th grade on, and graduated in the class of 1981.
Danny and Maribelle were reunited at their first 10 year reunion Planning Meeting. They fell head over heels in love and married shortly after. Danny said when he hugged Maribelle at that meeting, he knew she was the one he had been waiting for.
Maribelle had children from a previous marriage, so becoming a step father held many challenges and conflicts throughout their 25 year marriage. They all did the best they knew how, and they worked through them as a family.
After Danny’s softball years he became an avid golfer. He loved it, and from what others say, he was pretty darn good at it. He attempted to teach Maribelle, but was unsuccessful, and gave up pretty quickly!! He tried to introduce the game to DJ, but by that time providing for his family took up much of his golf time.
Danny loved fishing. He grew up fishing with his family on camping trips. He and DJ spent many hours on the boat docks at Table Rock Lake and other local lakes. His dream was to get a boat so they didn’t always have to fish from the docks and the banks.
Danny had not fished much in the past few years due to his health problems. He had recently lost a great deal of weight and was determined to fish again with DJ. He also wanted to be the one to teach his grandson Ryder how it was done. Just in the last month he had gotten all of his gear out and ready for them to go fishing.
Other than being a father, becoming a grandfather on April 21, 2015, was his greatest joy. Ryder was his greatest joy. From the first time they laid eyes on each other there was a bond between them that could not be broken. The two of them were inseparable. The sun rose and set for Danny through his little buddy's eyes.
Danny was the king of the grill, no one could barbeque like him. He loved cooking for his family and friends. He has passed his secrets and recipes on to DJ.
Danny worked several years as a diesel mechanic for Peck’s Trucking. He worked for Journagan and Masters Jackson in their rock quarry for years. He also worked for Heavy Duty Rebuilders, Nixa Park Boards, and R & S Floral.
Danny was a wonderful Husband, Dad, Papa, Brother, Uncle and Friend. He always put others first, and himself last without a second thought. His life ended too quickly, there was so much he still wanted to do, and so much his loved ones wanted to do with him.
God needed him more than we did. Realizing how much we already miss him, I don't know how it is possible that God needed him more. But, we are not to ask why, knowing that we will all be together again someday. For I know he will still be watching over us and taking care of us.
Danny will be forever missed and never forgotten. Unfortunately, you sometimes never know how much you love someone until they are gone. If he ever doubted it, he now knows just how deeply he was loved by his Wife, Son, family and friends.