Howard Eugene Bailey's Obituary
Howard Eugene Bailey, 92, ascended to Heaven April 11, 2025, at the Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center in Chanute, Kansas, in the presence of his loving family.
Howard was born to Homer B. and Ruth Lenora Greve Bailey on September 15, 1932, in rural Neosho County, Kansas. He graduated from Chanute Senior High School in 1950. Howard was united in marriage to Shirley Louise Hummer on November 6, 1955 in the EUB church in Chanute, Kansas. To this union two children were born: daughter, Deedra Elaine in 1972, and son, Andrew Lynn in 1975.
Howard was known by all as a fun-loving prankster, always ready with a smile and a silly joke, and has given his family and friends many memories which fill their hearts with gratitude for having been blessed with his presence in their lives. His famous sayings, known as “Howard Bailey-isms”, are treasured by his children and granddaughter. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Howard had a passion for farming and enjoyed working full-time on the family farm, which had been in the family for over 100 years. In 1972 he went to work for the Santa Fe Railroad until his retirement in 1997. Although technically retired, Howard was never one to remain idle and enjoyed various part-time fun jobs through the years. After the birth of his granddaughter Lauren in 1999, he could also be found frequently visiting his “Little Peanut” and attending her school and sports events.
From a young age, Howard loved baseball and instilled that love in his children and granddaughter. He enjoyed playing in the church softball league, often outplaying men younger than him and amazing everyone with his strength and stamina. He was a long-time fan of the Kansas City Royals and Atlanta Braves as well as the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football program, Kansas City Chiefs, NASCAR, and the University of Kansas athletic programs.
He enjoyed fishing and camping with his family, particularly at the Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees in Oklahoma, and loaded the family into their camper most weekends. He loved square dancing with his wife and was a proud supporter of his children and granddaughter’s school, sports, and band activities. Howard enjoyed fixing anything (whether it needed fixing or not!), another lifelong hobby.
Howard was a member of the United Methodist Church and served in various leadership and volunteer roles throughout the years. Howard was a 58-year member of the Pearl Chapter Order of the Eastern Star in Thayer, the Sunflower Chapter Order of the Eastern Star in Chanute, where he held many offices, a 58-year member of the Masonic Lodge in Erie, and a 32nd Degree member of the Scottish Rite in Fort Scott. He was also a Rainbow Dad for the Rainbow Girls in Chanute. Howard proudly served many years on the Neosho County Farm Bureau Board of Directors.
Howard is survived by his spouse of almost 70 years, Shirley, daughter Deedra Bailey and her partner Keith Romero, Lawrence, son Andrew (Lisa) Bailey, Leavenworth, granddaughter, Lauren Elizabeth Tracht PT, DPT, Kansas City, Missouri, and step-grandson, Adrian Spencer, Jr., Hutchinson.
Also surviving are his sister, Lucille Stansbery, Columbia Falls, MT, brother-in-law Larry (Gail) Hummer, Buford, GA, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, great-great-nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. The family wishes to recognize special family friends Kevin and Marcia Gough, Chanute.
He was preceded in death by his parents, younger brother, Everett, and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Fred and Edith Hummer.
Howard has requested cremation and visitation will be held at Otternein Community Church, 631 W. 7th St., Chanute, KS., on Saturday, May 31st from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. The family is requesting memorials to American Heart Association or American Parkinson’s Disease Association. Memorials to either of these organizations made be sent in care of Countryside Funeral Home, 101 North Highland Avenue, Chanute, Kansas 66720.
What’s your fondest memory of Howard?
What’s a lesson you learned from Howard?
Share a story where Howard's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Howard you’ll never forget.
How did Howard make you smile?