Bailey Austen Miller

Bailey Austen Miller, born December 18, 1998, in Lawton, Oklahoma to Danny and Tanya Miller, he was called home on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the age of 27. Bailey spent his short time on this earth giving 100% of his heart and soul to everyone he held dear, lived every moment to the fullest and made everyone he met feel like they mattered. He was a cherished son, brother, husband, father, and extremely dedicated friend.

As a child, Bailey was described as a "wild man," not afraid of anything and his bravery never wavered, even when it probably should have. He was a protective big brother to sister, Maddie, and never missed a chance to brag about all she's accomplished. As a son, Bailey never missed an opportunity to entertain or stress his parents out but was also not afraid to tell them just how much he loved and appreciated them.

Bailey graduated in 2017 from Apache High School. He married his high school sweetheart, Payten Taylor, on October 10, 2020, he was a devoted husband and protector and went above and beyond to give her everything she could ever ask for. The love they shared remained steadfast despite whatever trials they were put up against.

Bailey had a passion for welding and utilized his talents when he began his welding career at CSTS Fabrication right after high school. He then joined Cactus Drilling Company in 2018 and has worked there since, working his way up to the position of derrick hand.

2024 brought about Bailey's favorite title, "Dad", when his daughter, Iris June, was born. Bailey was the best dad Iris could have asked for, friends and family describe him as being "all in" on fatherhood, he valued this role far above any other accomplishment. He mentioned that as Iris grew up, if she wanted to paint his fingernails, he would be fine with that.

Bailey is survived by his wife and daughter of the home, parents in Elgin, sister Maddie Miller of Lawton, PaPa Henry Simmons of Elgin, PaPa Bob Paupore of Elgin, in-laws Stacy and April Key of Apache and James and Dawn Taylor of Duncan, and Godmother Chrissy Mehal McBride and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends.

He was preceded in death by grandparents Jerry and Bonnie Miller, great-grandparents Earl and Katheryn Miller, great-grandparents Alfred and Madeline Huff, grandmother Roberta Simmons, cousin Matthew Simmons and niece Jaylah Taylor.

A Celebration of Bailey's life will be held 2:00 pm, Friday, March 13, 2026, at The Warrior Event Center in Apache, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made at Liberty National Bank in an account set up for Iris's future.