"I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Tom. I did not realize he had been in failing health so when I read about his passing it really took me by surprise. I have known the Bailey through my years with Tom's dad and a group of us traveling to Iowa games. I have always felt fortunate to know members of your family. My wife and I had been visiting our daughter and family in Portland, Oregon so was unable to attend the visitation/funeral. Please know we are thinking of you during this time. Blessing to all! Gary Murphy"
In loving memory of
Thomas J Bailey
December 5, 1943 - February 16, 2019
RIVERSIDE - Thomas Jay Bailey was born December 5, 1943, in Iowa City, Iowa, the son of Paul Neuman and Fern LaVern (Benell) Bailey. He graduated from Mid-Prairie High School in 1962 and was an All State football player, and graduated from Parsons College in 1967. Tom served in the National Guard from 1963-1969 as a medic, stationed in San Antonio, Texas. Tom farmed for many years, while also holding jobs at International Harvester, Farmers Savings Bank, Yoder Feeds, Home Gas, and Mid-Prairie Schools where he worked as an Associate. He was raised in the South Sharon Church and was currently a member of the East Union Mennonite Church. Tom served on the Mid-Prairie School Board, Farmers Savings Bank Board, Mid Prairie Athletic Boosters, and served as sexton of the South Sharon Cemetery for many years. Tom was Co-Founder of The Courage Ride, in honor of his son Seth. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan, enjoyed traveling, biking, hiking, horseback riding, and spending time with his family. Tom passed away on Saturday, February 16, 2019, at the Pleasantview Home in Kalona from PSP "Progressive Supranuclear Palsy" at the age of 75 years.
Tom is survived by his wife Jacqueline of Riverside; a daughter Kara (Steve) Groenewold of Riverside; 2 sons: Josh (Barbi Smith) Bailey of Colorado Springs, CO; Jace (Kendra Conrad) Bailey of Riverside; 9 grandchildren: Cade, Ella and Seth Groenewold; Jackson, Hudson and Harrison Bailey; Bryce, Kale and Jalise Bailey; a brother Kirk (Karma) Bailey of Kalona; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Pat and Al Arends of Albert Lea, MN, Kent and Betty Hill of Cedar Rapids, Shirley Hill of Cedar Rapids, Bob and Karla Brown of Arnolds Park, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Seth Bailey, his in-laws Idres and Florence Hill, and a brother-in-law Kay Hill.
Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, February 23, 2019 at the East Union Mennonite Church. Pastor Joel Beachy will officiate. Burial will be in the South Sharon Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-8 PM on Friday, February 22, 2019 at the Yoder-Powell Funeral Home in Kalona. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established for Pleasantview Home, The Courage Ride and Washington County Hospice. The Yoder-Powell Funeral Home is caring for Tom and his family.
Tributes
"Jackie and family...I am sorry for your loss. Tom was always such a gentle man...I have many memories of him at sporting events, the bank, and most importantly, the Courage Ride. I hold you all in my heart with love and peace."
"Jackie and family: Susan, Rachel, Anna, Jay and I are praying for all of you as you mourn Tom's passing. I know he had suffered for quite some time. Therefore, I am sure there is a sense of peace knowing that he is no longer in pain and is walking with our Lord in Heaven with Seth by his side. Yet all the same, I know the grief is profound and we are praying for you. Know that Jesus is walking by your side as well and has your entire family in his arms. I grieve that my family will not be able to personally attend Tom's services. But know that we are all with you in prayer and in spirit. With love - Grant and Susan "
"Saddened to hear the news of Tom's passing! Though I have not known him his entire life and made memories and moments, I have met him, our paths have crossed over from the The Courage Ride" and Chrondrosarcoma cancer bringing us to the same place for two years. I am thankful to have met him and see a glimpse of what a man he was here while on earth. Our deepest sympathy, Bob and Minde Strief Sac City, Iowa"
"So sorry for your loss, Bailey family, prayers for comfort."
"There are no words dear friend only memories wonderful, wonderful memories. See you soon. Love you."
"Jackie n family, So sorry to hear of the passing of Tom. Praying that you can feel Gods loving arms wrapped around you n carry you in these days n weeks. Audrey (Shetler) Christman"
"Jackie and Family, we offer our most sincere condolences and deepest sympathies for your loss. Tom was the very best in a life well lived. There has never been a truer friend, classmate or teammate who created such wonderful, lasting memories. Tom & Sandy Bauer "
"Great sorrow for those of us left behind but such great joy for Tom to enter the kingdom of God his father where there is no more suffering. Our loss is God's gain. Grief is a work in progress, take as long as you need. Our family will continue to pray."
"Jackie, Kara, Josh and Jace, there is just no way to say how saddened Paul and I are to hear of Tom's passing. All those years of coaching Kalona Gold t-ball, peewee and little league baseball together and later on playing co-ed volleyball at the rec center. Even though we were the oldest team we proved we still "had it". So many good memories and we want you to know our thoughts and prayers are with all of you and your families as you celebrate Tom's life well lived."
"So sorry for your loss. Tom and I go back a long time. Were roommates at Parsons College. The good ole days. RIP my friend
Jim and Ali Grout, Alabama "