Aidan James Bailey

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Aidan James Bailey, 21, of Edgewood, Iowa, whose smile and uplifting spirit touched everyone he met. Aidan passed away on June 18, 2025, at Regional Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family and friends. He took his first breath at that very same hospital on November 10, 2003, born to Ashley Bailey and Kasi Chapman. Early in life, Papa Terry and Grandma Lori were chosen by God to raise him. Their guidance helped shape him into the selfless young man admired by all.
Aidan defied the odds his entire life and he did it with a smile on his face. Born medically complex, without a palate, with one eye, one nostril, and a cleft lip, he faced challenge after challenge. At just three months old, he developed serious lung issues and eventually underwent two double lung transplants. At times, he called St. Louis Children's Hospital, Iowa City, and Regional Medical Center "home' more than his own.
Through it all, Aidan never stopped smiling, earning him the affectionate nickname, "Mr. Smiley".
Before he could speak for himself, Grandma Lori and Papa Terry were his voice, his strength, and his biggest advocates. Together, they were a devoted trio, always putting others first, quietly caring for their community without ever seeking the spotlight.
In his early years, Aidan attended Edgewood-Colesburg Elementary School via a robot, allowing him to learn as if he were physically present. He even gave T-ball a try. Later, he was homeschooled by Grandma Lori, allowing him to focus on the things he loved, learning about the weather, vacuums, and anything from electrical work to plumbing to auto mechanics. He even became an honorary member of the Edgewood Ambulance team.
Nothing brought Aidan more joy than seeing others smile.
When he wasn't in the hospital, he could often be found in his sewing room, creating for his business, Mr. Smiley's Creations. He loved working on his lawn, using the snowblower, driving the golf cart, walking his dogs, listening to country music, camping, and finding ways to give back to the people and town he loved.
Aidan is deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his devoted grandparents, Grandma Lori and Papa Terry Gearhart; his cherished dogs, Dr. Mary and Dr. Peter; his Great-Grandma Farm (Barbara Gearhart); Great-Grandpa Hat (Ron Fishler); Aunt Tami ("Ball Ball"); Aunt Kayli, Uncle Travis, Uncle Jason, Aunt Amy, Aunt Carrie, and their families; great-uncles and great-aunt, Bucky (Dan) Gearhart, Deb Lower, Lonny Fishler, and their families; his mom, Kasi Chapman; brothers, Brody, Carson, and Korbyn; sister, Delyhah; grandma, Bonnie Bailey; aunts, Addie Copeland, Amber Bailey, and Hayley Bailey, and their families; along with many extended family members and dear friends.
Aidan was preceded in death by his dad, Ashley Bailey; Great-Grandma Pretty Potty (Darla Fishler); and Great-Grandpa Farm (David Gearhart).
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the many doctors, nurses, EMTs, and caregivers, who supported Aidan over the years. His life was not easy, but thanks to you, it was filled with quality, love, and laughter.
As Aidan would say, "Today is a good day to make someone smile."
Let us honor his memory by doing just that. Live like Aidan.
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