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David Lee “Beetle” BaileyPassing: April 16, 2024

Service:

Chastain Funeral Home

Funeral Service

Saturday, April 20th @ 1:00pm

Visitation:

Chastain Funeral Home

Saturday, April 20th @ 11:00am-1:00pm

Cemetery:

Talbott Cemetery

Saturday, April 20th

ORLEANS – David Lee “Beetle” Bailey, 66, passed away Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at Indiana University Health Hospice House.

Born October 30, 1957, in Lawrence County, he was the son of John L. and Sharon Lavonne Bailey (née Hall).  He married Darlene Gale Henson on November 29, 1996, and she survives.

Beetle worked for Regal Beloit and Otis Elevator before returning to his country roots working with Nutrien Agricultural Solutions, where he retired. Unphased at the prospect of hard work, Beetle was known for his dedication to providing for his loved ones. His hard work led to an even heartier appetite, where he loved to spend his free time at social gatherings with his family. In life he set an excellent example of hard work, loyalty, and dedication, instilling these values into all that knew him. These values will live on forever in the hearts of those that were fortunate to know him in life, allowing him to live on far beyond the day of his passing.

Surviving is his wife of 27 years, Darlene Gale Bailey of Orleans; stepchildren Brenda Stephenson and her husband, Josh, and Mark Peters of California; grandchildren Cole Stephenson and his fiancée, Whitney, of Wisconsin, Colton Krise of New York, and Brennan and Justice Ayers of Bloomington; mother, Sharon Lavonne Bailey of Orleans; siblings, Tom Bailey and his wife, Norma, of Mitchell and Larry Bailey and his wife, Patti, of Bloomington and many friends, nieces and nephews

He was preceded in death by his father, John L. Bailey of Mitchell, and sister, Judy Gathard of Morristown.

The funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, April 20, in the Memorial Chapel of Chastain Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Mitchell, Indiana with Grant Garthwaite officiating. The burial will be held at Talbott Cemetery in Mitchell, Indiana.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until the service on Saturday at the funeral home.

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16 Guest Comments

  1. Guest: Delbert Wray | SALEM
    Date: April 22, 2024
    I'm so so sorry about David's passing. Not only were we classmates, but we worked together at Regal after I got out of the Army. Great guy and David will be missed.
  2. Guest: Lori Roberts Jackson | Salem IN
    Date: April 20, 2024
    To the families of David: I am so sorry to hear of the loss of David, he always nice and kind to me. I have good memories of us when we were young and our parents playing cards and we played kick the can and watching Sammy Terry, fish fry’s, etc… thanks for the memories!
  3. Guest: Whitney Hyatt | Verona, Wisconsin
    Date: April 19, 2024
    Although I’ve only known David for 4 years, I know what a huge impact he’s had on my fiancés life. David was an amazing grandfather to Cole and was always so welcoming to me. I am so honored to have gotten the opportunity to meet David. I’ll never forgot everything you’ve done for Cole and I. We miss you David!
  4. Guest: Cole Stephenson | Verona, Wisconsin
    Date: April 19, 2024
    David was my grandfather, and I can’t put into words all that he had done for me throughout my childhood until the day of his passing. My papaw was a hard working, dedicated, loyal man who set an example of how best to care for your loved ones. He helped shape me into the man I am today and I hope to teach the lessons he instilled into me to my own children someday. I love you papaw, you will never be forgotten.
  5. Guest: Sandalee Jeffries | Mitchell, IN
    Date: April 19, 2024
    My sincere condolences to all his loved ones.
  6. Guest: Donald R Mann | Indianapolis
    Date: April 19, 2024
    Sorry to hear about David, I grew up with the family and knew all of them. Will keep you in our prayers.
  7. Guest: Jim Stephenson | Sun City Center, Florida
    Date: April 18, 2024
    So sorry to hear about David! Your family will be in my prayers as you go through this difficult time.
  8. Guest: Debra Jurashen | Bedford Indiana
    Date: April 18, 2024
    Dave was a very special guy. He worked hard all his life and if you needed someone to help you, they was always there. We loved him as brother and always. Will God bless you, David we love you.and Darlene always
  9. Guest: Buck Chastain | BROWNSTOWN
    Date: April 18, 2024
    So Sorry to hear this. We traveled a lot of Miles showing Cattle. Buck Chastain
  10. Guest: Brenda Stephenson | Mitchell Indiana
    Date: April 18, 2024
    David is my stepfather and has been selfless and caring to my family and I over the years. I have been very lucky to have him in my life even though it was cut way too short . We love you David.
  11. Guest: Teri Wade | Mitchell, Indiana
    Date: April 18, 2024
    Brenda & Family, So sorry for this great loss. You'll all be in my thoughts. Teri
  12. Guest: Ron and Gail Henson | Bedford, IN
    Date: April 17, 2024
    So sorry for your family loss. David will definitely be missed as he had a heart of gold. May God comfort, give you peace and guide you through this difficult time. Hold tight to your memories and remember this is not good bye, it’s see you later. Hugs and prayers
  13. Guest: Michelle Williams | Orleans
    Date: April 17, 2024
    I'm so sorry for your loss. David was such a a great guy!! You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
  14. Guest: Janet I Noe. Charlie Noe | Mitchell
    Date: April 17, 2024
    Baileys, so sorry to hear about this. You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this time. Love to you all. Charlie and Janet
  15. Guest: Janet I Noe | Mitchell
    Date: April 17, 2024
    Baileys, so sorry to hear about this. You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this time. Love to you all. Charlie and Janet
  16. Guest: Janet I Noe | Mitchell
    Date: April 17, 2024
    Baileys, so sorry to hear about this. You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this time. Love to you all. Cherrie nd Janet