Obituary of Donald E. Bailey

On the 29th of April 1931, God gave Elbert and Ruth Bailey of South Kortright, NY, a baby boy, that day, Don became a son. A son to a dairy farmer. He was raised on the family farm in Lakeside, PA and it wouldn’t be long before he became a brother. An older brother to Roger, Carolyn, Pat, Lynn, Paul and Mary. As he grew into his own, he embraced the roots of his forefathers, and also became a farmer. He was a coveted worker that any employer would be proud to call their own, and many did. While working on his uncle’s farm, in Stamford, NY, unexpectedly, his path was crossed with, who would become the love of his life and partner for the next 63 years. Don Bailey and Doris Elwyn were married in 1953, and Don became a husband. As life quickly progressed, in 1954 God gave a daughter to the married couple and Don became a father. He became a father again and again until his brood reached 7. Bonnie, Deb, Donna, Beverly, Allen, David and Dennis. Eventually he and Doris would also add Barb and Larry as adopted children. Don was now a Son, Brother, Husband, and a Father. Don worked for Breezy Acres in Hobart, NY for several years until 1962 when he and Doris, with kids in tow, pulled up stakes and moved to Pennsylvania. There he worked for Page’s Dairy in Susquehanna until 1969. He was an accomplished dairy farmer. In 1969 Don was able to purchase Maple Brook Farm in Bainbridge, NY by farming out the lifetime of agricultural experience he’d had and only the change in his pocket. By 1975, he and his family had become the FHA “Farm Family of The Year”. Don had become his own boss and an award-winning dairy farmer. He had set out on his own with his faith in God, love for his family and a lifetime of farm experience had become, by all standards successful. In 1977 Don put on another hat; with the birth of his first grandson, he became a grandfather. He loved his grandchildren. I can tell you from my own experience, as I am #2 of 29. Don loved gatherings when the family could get together. Family reunions were a highlight of his life. He was truly happy when the family was together. Throughout his life, he was a long-standing member of the Sidney Christian Missionary Alliance Church, a bus driver for over 20 years for the Bainbridge-Guilford School district, and a good friend to many. He was a friendly and likeable man. He embodied the definition of a gentleman. All those who came in contact with him had the wonderful opportunity of experiencing the “Bailey charm”. Doris was by his side when their 63 year marriage was broken on the 31st day of March. Don finally succumbed to a long battled illness. He now waits for his family in heaven with all those who have passed before him. His parents, his younger brother Paul, and many friends. He told me that he’s preparing another family reunion for when we all arrive. He is now strong, healthy and watching over his earthly family. Don is survived by his loving wife, Doris and their children: Bonnie and Mark Rine of Peroia, AZ, Deb and Dan Wilson of Palm Coast, FL, Donna and Steve Henry of Circleville, OH, Beverly Bailey of New Berlin, NY, Allen and Debbie Bailey of Masonville, PA, David and Veronica Bailey of Sidney, NY, Dennis and Alana Bailey of Sidney, Barb and John Nober of Guilford, NY and Larry Valentine of Sidney, NY. He is also survived by 29 grandchildren and their families, 3 brothers, 2 sisters, and numerous nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Circle Drive Alliance Church in Sidney NY on Saturday April 30th, 2016. There will be a family greeting and visitation time from 1:00 to 2:30 pm followed by the celebration service beginning at 2:30 pm. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to Circle Drive Alliance Church, Sidney NY or Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care of Delaware Co in Delhi NY. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.landersfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, Sidney.