Darrell Bailey

Norwalk - Darrell "Skip" Bailey, Norwalk, IA, 83, passed away surrounded by loved ones at Mercy Medical Center, Des Moines, on Friday, October 5th after a brief illness.

Skip was born February 9, 1935 in Osceola, IA, to Ralph and Florence (Leeps) Bailey. Albert "Pat" Kalkes became his stepfather at a very early age.

Upon graduating from Clarke Community High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. Returning from active duty, he began his career in the construction/quarry industry where he continued for more than 40 years. The first 20 years were with Martin-Marietta as he went from heavy equipment operator to Production Manager of Indiana District. He then worked about 2 years as Director of Operations for Raid Quarries. In 1977, he became owner and President of L & W Quarries based in Centerville, IA. In addition, he became a partner in Norris Asphalt Paving beginning in 1985. After retirement, Skip purchased Innovative Real Estate in Camdenton, MO and was involved in home building for a number of years before moving to Gulf Shores, AL until earlier this year.

Skip served seven years on the Iowa Limestone Producers Association Board being elected President for one term. He also served two years on the Board of Directors, Centerville Chamber of Commerce and six years on the Compensation Board for Appanoose County, IA. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of the Scottish Rite and York Rite.

Skip is survived by his wife, Connie, a son Doug (Lisa), Centerville, a daughter Diane (Les) Diebel, Camdenton, MO, step-daughter KaBrina Hudson, Gorham, ME, granddaughters Dr. Lyndsay (Jonathan) Harshman, Tiffin, IA and Tawny (Matt) Tibbits PhD, Fort Lauderdale, FL., step-grandchildren Brian (Michelle) Diebel, Vesper, WI and Denise (T.J.) Woodin, Littleton, CO, great grandchildren and step great grandchildren. Also surviving are a half-sister Angie Kalkes (Roger) Gilbert. Roland, AR., sisters-in-law Shirley (Delbert, deceased) Gray, Lovilia, Sharon (Neil) Penfield, Moravia, Joyce (Curg) McCoy, Moravia and close friend Rick Hudson, Bonita Springs, FL. Also, nieces and nephews survive his passing.

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant son and sisters Jean (Loren, deceased) Wills and Margaret Ann (Bill, deceased) Lear.

Skip enjoyed playing golf for 20 years following retirement thanks to good friend Robert Wright who was his golfing instructor. He was active in the men's group at Lake Valley Golf, Camdenton, MO and Craft Farms Golf, Gulf Shores, AL. He enjoyed his family, attending movies and finding new restaurants to try. Skip loved his winter home, South Padre Island, TX having spent the winter months there the last 25 years. He looked forward each year (including this year) to returning to South Texas to enjoy his friends Chuck, Leslie, Pelican West Band and others in the entertainment business on the Island as well as his Isla Grand family and Winter Texan friends. Anyone who met Skip remembered him as someone who lived life to the fullest and his infectious smile making friends easily wherever he went. He will be deeply missed by friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made in his honor to Centerville Band Boosters. This money will be used to purchase instruments and is a 503C organization. Checks can be mailed to: Lisa Bailey, 20945 490th St., Centerville, IA. 52544

Body is under direction of Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Urbandale, IA (caldwellparrish.com). A celebration of life will be at a later date.