Richard Elton Bailey, age 86, devoted Husband, loving Father, proud Grandfather, brother, friend and patriot went home to be with his Savior on Friday, February 2, 2024 at The Bluebird Retirement Community in Marysville.
A graduate of Chuckery Darby High School, he received a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Economics from The Ohio State University and a master’s degree in Agronomy from Oklahoma State University.
He was a retired associate of O.M. Scott and Sons where he conducted nationwide research programs for weed control and ornamental fertilizer. Through his position, he worked in conjunction with many universities for his nationwide research in product development. Following graduate school, he moved his family to Honduras to implement research for United Fruit Company (Chiquita). Richard’s consulting business included product development and research for Sierra Chemical Company of Milpitas, California. Following his retirement from Scotts, he and his wife, Anita, formed Directions Realty Group.
He was a member of Marysville Grace Church.
A veteran of the United States Army, he served as a helicopter and airplane pilot. He attained the rank of Captain and following active duty, continued serving in the National Guard.
Richard enjoyed gardening and tending to his farm and livestock. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren.
He was born September 12, 1937, in Unionville Center, Ohio, the oldest son to the late Don and Erna Renner Bailey. He grew up on the family dairy farm, where he developed his love for agriculture. In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by his twin brother, Roger Bailey and sisters, Carolyn Hines and Kathleen Kise.
He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Anita J. Milner Bailey, whom he married August 31, 1962 in Dallas, Texas; his children, Shannon (Lyle) Shackelford of Watertown, New York, Michelle (Mickey) Cho of San Antonio, Texas, Jeremy (Marla) Bailey of Steamboat Springs, Colorado and Jonathan (Tasha) Bailey of Plain City; his grandchildren, Jordan (Kelley) Shackelford, Zachary (Kaylee) Shackelford, Evan Cho, Emily (Billy) Ramsey, Francesca Bailey, Edward Bailey and Phineas Bailey; his great grandson, Owen Shackelford; his sister, Shirley (Dick) Fike; his brothers, Don (Marge) Bailey, Rollin Bailey and Tim (Susan) Bailey; his sisters-in-law, Diane Bailey and Joni Hutchinson; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 6 p.m. Monday, February 12, 2024, at Underwood Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at Marysville Grace Church, 17240 Amrine-Wood Road, Marysville. Pastor Clancy Cruise will officiate. Military honors will be conducted following the service by the Union County Military Funeral Honor Guard.
Online viewing of the memorial service will be live streamed at Marysville Grace-YouTube
Memorial gifts may be directed to The Davis Phinney Foundation (Parkinson’s),P O Box 270948, Louisville, CO. 80027 or Marysville Grace Church, 17240 Amrine-Wood Rd., Marysville, OH 43040.
Condolences may be expressed to the family atwww.underwoodfuneralhome.com