Gary Bailey Obituary

Gary Bailey, 86, of Winterset, formerly of Creston and Afton area, died Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in Mt. Ayr at the Clearview Home. A Celebration of Life Service will be at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, April 6, 2025, at the Powers Funeral Home in Afton. Pastor Jodi Rushing will officiate the service. The burial will be at Greenlawn Cemetery in Afton. Flag presentation will be by Theodore J. Martens, Creston VFW Post #1797. Open visitation with family receiving friends will be 2:00- 5:00 p.m., Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Powers Funeral Home in Afton with Masonic Services beginning at 4:30 p.m. Memorials are kindly suggested to the Clearview Home & Hospice or Shriner's Hospital for Children. Online condolences can be given at www.powersfh.com.
Gary Ross Bailey, son of Jesse "Doc" Ross Bailey and Maymie Pearl (Petersohn) Bailey, was born on March 17, 1939, in rural Union County in Thayer. Gary graduated from Thayer High school with the class of 1957. After graduation, Gary was united in marriage to Linda Stalker on June 5, 1960, in Creston, Iowa. The two settled in Creston where Gary worked at the Coke Plant actively driving a delivery route. In 1962, Gary served his country as a part of the United States Army until his honorable discharge in 1964.
After leaving the military they settled in Afton, working for the U.P.S. in Creston. He would then work for Creston Feed & Grain, Springfield Plastics. Gary and Linda later divorced. While working for B&K Commercial Agriculture Gary actively helped with the building of grain bins and elevators.
On April 14, 1984, Gary was united in marriage to Connie (Callison) Utsler in Kellerton, Iowa. The two moved to Mt. Ayr where he owned and operated a car wash. While in Mt. Ayr, Gary also ran a lawn care service and was a Walker Lawn Mower dealership for 20 years. As part of his lawn care business Gary took care of Rose Hill Cemetery in Mt Ayr. Following Gary's retirement in 2003 he moved to rural Winterset.
Gary was a member of the Methodist Church, a 50-year member of the Crest City Masonic Lodge #522. He spent many years as a member of the Za Ga Zig Shrine and the Creston B.P.O. Elks Lodge #605. Gary enjoyed playing softball and pool and was also particularly passionate about the game of golf and was a member of the development group who established the Lake Shore Golf and Country Club where he was a member for many years. He also was a member of the Mt. Ayr and Winterset Country Clubs.
Gary is survived by his two daughters, Lisa (husband Bill) Gregerson of Indianola and Stacy Christiansen of Des Moines; a brother, Bill (wife Marge) Bailey of Creston, a sister, Phyllis Clark of Afton; two sisters-in-law, Delores Bailey of Chapin, and Shirley Bailey of Creston; two grandchildren, Bailey (Kohl) Dusenbery of Indianola and Brandon (Lindsey) Gregerson of Urbandale; two great-grandchildren, Peyton and Kaycee Dusenbery; and his furry companion, Bella.
Preceding him in death is his parents, wife, Connie Bailey in 2021, his two sisters, Betty (husband Leland) Eckhardt Ruby (husband Ronald) Cornelison; his two brothers, Robert, and Richard Bailey; brother-in-law, Donald Clark; and four fur babies: Sammie, Mindy, Jody, and Blondie.
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