Robert Eugene “Bob” Bailey, the son of Lewis and Bertha (Miller) Bailey, was born on February 28, 1933, in Lebanon, Missouri, and passed away on May 8, 2026, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of 93 years.
He met and fell in love with Elsie Marie Bone in Springfield, Missouri, and they were married there on September 16, 1955, and spent almost 71 years of love and laughter together.
Bob enlisted in the United States Marine Corps right out of high school. He retired with the rank of Captain after 20 years in the United States Marine Corps. He served in Vietnam in 1967-1968, and also served in Cuba during his career. He also worked for the National Security Agency in Washington, D.C., for three years while he was still in the Marine Corps. Bob was very proud to be a Marine, and carried that pride throughout his life. Afterward, he returned to Lebanon, where he was owner of Bailey’s Shopping Center, Bailey’s TV and Radio Shack. He later owned the Otasco store in Lebanon and then Bailey’s Rentals. Bob was very involved in the Lion’s Club, and enjoyed fishing in the rivers and lakes and traveling. He was an inventor, and had an inquisitive mind, always thinking of how to build things and make things better. He also enjoyed restoring old cars and was good at it. He loved time spent with his family, and meals and holidays together were very important to him. He will be deeply missed.
Bob is survived by: his wife, Elsie, of the home; children: Steven Wayne Bailey and wife Brenda of Box Elder, South Dakota; Linda Marie Angst and husband Randy of Lebanon; grandchildren: Rob Bailey, Christopher Ryan Bailey, Dustin Wayne Bailey and wife Angie, and Levi Angst and wife Robyn; 12 great-grandchildren and one great great grandson; other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by: his parents, two children: Robert Allen and Gary Dean Bailey; two sisters: Zellah Pearl Dameron and Sandra Sue Richardson; and one brother, Lewis Bailey, Jr.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Shadel’s Colonial Chapel. Burial will be in Lebanon Cemetery. Visitation will be 1-2 p.m. Thursday in the funeral chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel To Towers. Donations can be left at or mailed to Shadel’s Colonial Chapel, 1001 N. Lynn or P.O. Box 948, Lebanon, Missouri 65536
Arrangements are under the direction of Shadel’s Colonial Chapel of Lebanon.
Sign guest book at www.shadelscolonialchapel.com.
