Dale Lee Bailey

Dale Lee Bailey of Seymour, Missouri, went to his eternal home with Jesus on December 21, 2022, after a short illness. His only wish was to be home for Christmas. He passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family at the age of 70 years, 6 months, and 18 days and will be in the hearts of his family for every Christmas to follow.

He accepted Christ at a young age and with the influence of his mother, he became a mighty prayer warrior, rededicating his life to the Lord in September of 2001. He recently attended Mansfield First Assembly of God Church.

Dale, the youngest son of Ralph and Ethel (Fuller) Bailey, was born in Springfield, Missouri, on June 3, 1952.

On November 7, 1992, Dale married the love of his life, Stephanie. Together they spent the next thirty years loving, protecting, supporting, and caring for each other. Two families became one. He will forever be in the hearts of their children: Chris Bailey (Jayleen) of Ozark, Amy Ritz (Duane) of Billings, Keshia Bailey of Seymour, Justin Bailey (Charity) of Pride, Louisiana, Dayna Bailey-Miller (Steven) of Seymour, and Eric Bennett (Ashlie) of Seymour.

He is also survived by 16 grandchildren, that he adored: Ryan, Tiia (Kenny), Tilia, Benai, Allison (Wesley), Shelby (Peyton), Jacee, Emarie, Justin Jr., Ashlyn (Gavin), Levi (Hailey), Laci, Casey, Carson, Wyett and Sydnie and 5 great-grandchildren, Natalie, Jayce, Scarlette, Laney, and Oaklee, his brothers, Wayne and Alvin, sisters, Betty, Freda, Neva (Armond), and Theresa (David), brother-in-law, Luke Shover (Erika), sisters-in-law, Emma Shover, Amanda Frazier, and Kathy Pierson, many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Dale’s greatest joy was praying for and loving his family. He was the best husband, father, and stepfather anyone could ever ask for. He was always there for each one, no matter the need.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law, Jim Shover, mother-in-law, Nancy Palmer, brothers, Donald and Daris, a sister, Retha, his sisters-in-law, Betty Bailey MaryAnn Bailey, Dorothy Bailey, and Tammy Emerick, brothers-in-law, Gary Cribb and James McReynolds.

The most important hobby he had was his family. Whether it was family dinners, sporting events, school functions, births of grandchildren, graduations, or weddings, he never wanted to miss being there. In his rare spare time, Dale liked to raise cattle, garden, landscape, and travel.

Dale recently retired from Hutchens Industries after 45 years of service, where he was respected by many and made life-long friends that he considered family. Among them: Jeff Cruse, Mike Thurman, Doug Easley, Gedenna Thurman, Teresa Dickson, Kim Schreffler, David Henderson, Mike Henderson, Lonnie Denney, Clint Whorton, Scott Henslee, Kevin Dobson, Larry Dugger, Dennis Hampton, Billy Hayes, Alan McCleary, Steve Copeland, and many others too numerous to mention.

Dale never missed the opportunity to help a stranger. He spent endless hours praying for many that crossed his path, anonymously covering a meal, or giving to missions. He had the privilege of serving many years as a City of Seymour Alderman and Mayor. There is no doubt he will meet many in Heaven whose lives he touched in some way, during his short time on earth.