Larry Deane Bailey, of Birmingham, passed away on Wednesday, October 8th, 2025 at the age of 93. He was a quiet gentle soul that was devoted to Jesus, family, friends and his dog Sam.
Born on April 28, 1932 to Lawrence Dean and Margaret Ruth Pool Bailey of Selma.,
Larry spent his early years living and graduating from the Selma High School in 1952.
During his school years he loved playing basketball and oh how he loved to run fast. In fact one time he had some friends let him out on Highway 16 west of Selma and he wanted to see just how fast he could run! He made it to 20mph! He was so proud of that and loved to tell that story. He was also very devoted to riding his horse all over the country as many remember.
Upon graduating he then joined the United States Army serving in Austria during 1952-1954 as an M.P. He was very proud to do his part in serving his country.
When he returned home, he married Martha Ann Sickels. They ventured to California, then back to Des Moines, before finally settling back in Selma to raise their three children.
Larry worked driving a scraper for Strother’s Construction, Chain and Cable in Fairfield, John Deere and several other jobs. But he really enjoyed driving a semi over the road for various companies before he purchased his own.
Larry always had an interest in horses and passed that down to his children. He made a homemade horse trailer years ago, purchased a pony and borrowed a horse from his neighbor and thus started the family adventures of going to horse shows around the area. Larry and Sherry did cowboy rescue races together and oh the laughs that came out of that! Sherry did the speed races, Jody was young and did a few fun events and Danny was a little guy who did pony lead in classes. Later in life he ventured into a little Buckskinning and really liked that. He always loved seeing the grandkids, friends and so enjoyed going to Church on Sundays. Many days he loved to just sit in his chair by the pond, dog at his side and listen to the frogs. That was a peaceful time for him.
Larry leaves behind two daughters, Sherry (Robert) Olinger, Jody (Alan) Bolibaugh, Danny (LeaAnn} Bailey, a beloved sister, Mary Nell Northup, four grandchildren, Cody Bailey, Joshua Bolibaugh, Virgilia Hunt, and Noah Bolibaugh. Six grandchildren, Dakota, Natilie, Bristol, Harmony, Jeremiah and Obidia. One nephew, Rick Northup and one niece, Shelly Blakeney. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law, Jerry Northup.
Funeral service to honor Larry’s life will be held on Wednesday October 15, 2025 at 11:00AM at Cranston Family Funeral Home in Fairfield with Pastor Josh Kuiper officiating. Visitation will be an hour prior to the service on Wednesday at the funeral home starting at 10:00AM. Burial will be in Mount Moriah Cemetery in Douds immediately following the service with military honors by John Hyson Reneker Post No. 494, American Legion and the United States Honor Guard. Memorials in Larry’s honor to the Heartland Humane Society may be left at the funeral home or mailed to the family at P.O. Box 2113, West Branson, MO 65737. In memory of Larry, we invite you to leave your personal tributes and share photographs, at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com
