Dean Lee Bailey

Dean Lee Bailey, 71, passed away on September 15, 2024, in Mesa, Arizona surrounded by his wife, Manya; son, Chad, daughter-in-law, Rene; and three sisters, Debra, Teresa, and Lori. Dean was born as a twin with his sister, Debra, on December 15, 1952 in Grand Junction, Colorado, being the first born children of George Wilbur and Juveline Joyce (Park) Bailey. Living in Arizona from the time he was 16, he graduated with his sister in 1971 from Prescott High School. His educational journey continued much later, graduating from DeVry Institute of Technology also. Dean became a proud father to his only son, Chad Dean Bailey, with his first wife, Nancy, in Prescott, Arizona, in July 1974. His son, Chad continued the Bailey line, with his first wife Andrea, giving him a grandson, Blake James Bailey, and making him a proud grandpa, in September of 2006. He has been a father figure to a nephew, Eric Dean, and niece, Mandy; to Chrystal, Joey, and Megan; and a grandfather figure to Brianna, Julissa, Thalia, Jaclyn, Mason, Seth and Cooper.

Dean has always been a hard worker from the time he was just a young boy, working with his dad who was a carpenter, having a newspaper route, mowing lawns, helping his uncles with bread routes and his family with hotel and restaurant businesses. He began working at Safeway when he was 16, and ended his Journeyman Meat Cutter career after more than 40 years of service. Dean also showcased his multifaceted skills in property management, becoming known as a "Jack of All Trades" like his dad and Grandpa Bailey. He followed his grandpa's footsteps as a carpenter, plumber, painter, and even a mechanic. His dad was a Korean War veteran, and Dean served in the Army National Guard of Arizona, embodying the spirit of service and commitment. As a man of many interests, he enjoyed traveling, fishing, hunting, collecting guns and postcards. His passion for model cars and airplanes, auto mechanics, off-roading, and attending car shows illustrated his diverse and creative spirit.

Remembered for being hardworking, loyal, faith-driven, and family-oriented, Dean was sometimes a little grumpy, yet he always had a giving heart of gold. His generosity and creativity left a lasting impact on all who knew him. The most impressive gift that Dean had was expressed by his son, Chad, in these words: "One of the lessons I learned from my dad was to apologize after an argument. It didn't matter whether he was right (99% he was), but he would say he was sorry. This is a lesson that I've continued with my kiddos."

Dean is survived by his wife, Manya Palka-Bailey; son, Chad (Rene) Bailey; sisters, Debra Smith, Teresa (Jeff) Johnson, and Lori (Mike) South; step-daughter, Candice Solis; sister-in-law, Terri Brown; brother-in-law, John Palka; sister-in-law, Pamela Palka; grandchildren, Blake Bailey, Jaclyn LeBlanc, Mason LeBlanc, Seth LeBlanc, Brianna Gutierrez, Julissa Solis, and Thalia Solis; along with many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Robert (Bobby) Ray Park and Ruby Bertner Anderson; paternal grandparents, Thomas Earl Bailey and Thelma Hildred Anderson; parents, George Wilbur Bailey and Juveline (Judy) Joyce Park; niece, Tonya Lynn Green; other cousins and loved ones.

Memorial Service to be held October 5, 2024 at 11am.

Desert Hills Baptist Church

8326 East McDowell Road

East Mesa, AZ 85230