Search by Name

Search by Name

Richard Bailey

1951 - 2025

Richard Bailey obituary, 1951-2025, Traverse City, MI

BORN

1951

DIED

2025

Richard Bailey Obituary

Richard Bailey
Traverse City Michigan
June 8, 2025
Richard Bailey, 74, passed away peacefully at Munson Hospice House with his family by his side on Sunday, June 8, 2025. He was born on February 22, 1951, the second youngest of eleven children to the late Elizabeth Theodore Bailey and Peter Bailey. His siblings who preceded him in death are Margaret Bailey Chandler, Peter Bailey Jr., Gerald Bailey, Carl Bailey, Regina Bailey Forbes, and Charlene Bailey, as well as a 1/2 sibling Mary Miller with whom he connected with later in life.
He is survived by his siblings Robert Bailey, John Bailey, Vivian Bailey Barrett, and Elizabeth Bailey Krick, as well as many nieces and nephews.
After graduating from Ferris State University, Richard enlisted in the United States Navy. While stationed in California, he met Karen Marie Hochecker, whose family was also living there with her father, who served in the military. Richard and Karen were united in marriage on December 6, 1975, and shared 50 years of love and companionship.
Richard spent 29 years as a lineman with TC Light and Power. He was a proud member of Veterans for Peace and the Warrior Society of his tribe, the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, and he often marched in local parades with his fellow veterans. His dedication to his community and his service to his country and heritage was evident in all that he did.
Richard is survived by his loving wife Karen Bailey; his eldest daughter Kerri (Dustin) Collier; daughter Bridgett Bailey; grandchildren Cameron (Livy) Collier, Anesa (Ben) Byearski, Shenoah Collier, and Marabelle Stafford; and his first great-grandson, Garrett Byearski, whom he recently welcomed with great joy. Richard was a devoted husband, a proud father, and a doting grandfather. His family was the center of his life.
Richard had many passions. He loved bicycling with his granddaughters, playing golf and softball, boating with his family, and playing Euchre with friends. He was an avid sports fan, always cheering for the Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers, and regularly attending games for the Traverse City Pit Spitters and Beach Bums.
As an Elder tribal member of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, Richard was proud to share his knowledge of his heritage with his family. His teachings and legacy will continue to live on through his children, grandchildren, and beyond.
A celebration of Richard's life and luncheon will take place on Tuesday June 17th at 11 a.m. at Elk Rapids Harbor Jack Blesma Pavilion. Memorial contributions in his honor may be directed to Veterans for Peace.
Please visit www.reynolds-johnkhoff.com to share memories and condolences with the family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Manistee News Advocate on Jun. 13, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Bailey

Not sure what to say?





3 Entries

Richard Mack

June 13, 2025

Richard was a classmate and all around great guy. May he rest in peace

Grateful Nation

June 13, 2025

In memory of and gratitude for your honorable military service. May God bless you and welcome you home.

Tracy Carlson

June 13, 2025

Richard was a longtime friend and classmate. Really good guy. Fair winds & following seas Richard.

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Make a Donation
in Richard Bailey's name

Memorial Events
for Richard Bailey

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Richard's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Richard Bailey's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more