Mike Patrick Bailey

Michael Patrick Bailey, 65, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away at 11:50 p.m. Monday, December 29, 2025.

Born on November 16, 1960, in Jacksonville, Florida, he was the son of the late Patrick Bailey, Jr., and Betty Sue (Hibbs) Bailey. Growing up in Jacksonville, he later moved with his mother to Summerville, South Carolina, where he graduated from Summerville High School in 1978.

Mike joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served in the 1st Marine Recon Battalion (special forces) with the United States Navy. He earned the rank of Sergeant within two years, was a decorated Marine, and received an honorable discharge.

Following his return, he moved to Arlington, Texas, where he met and married Elizabeth Jane Wilson on July 23, 1983. They made their home in Arlington, Texas, until 1985.

Moving to the Village of Cahokia, Illinois, Mike attended Washington University and Southern Illinois University. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Earth & Geological Science with a minor in Astrophysics via SIU Edwardsville, IL.

While living in the Village of Cahokia, Mike became a volunteer firefighter. In addition, he volunteered as a dispatcher for the Village's police department. He joined the Cahokia Police Department where he quickly rose to the rank of Sergeant. With his college education, intellect, and insatiable quest for knowledge, he entered the field of forensic science and became a crime scene investigator. He was a valued member of the St. Louis Metro Crime Unit, focusing on quick resolution to area murder cases, and was a member of their gang task force.

After moving to Fort Wayne to be closer to family, Mike worked for Securitas at the GM Assembly Plant and later worked at Steel Dynamics in Columbia City, Indiana.

Always active, Mike enjoyed tinkering with anything mechanical and solving complex puzzles. His family was always his priority, and then the community in which he lived. He is remembered for his good humor and ability to make others laugh. He will be missed.

Surviving are his wife of 42 years, Elizabeth; his daughter, Kaitlyn Bailey of Fort Wayne; and his half-brother, Brian Bailey of St. Petersburg, FL.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by his sister, Tia Miller.

Michael desired to have no services. The family will host a Memorial Gathering at Smith & Sons Coachroom, 205 N Main St., Columbia City, on Tuesday, January 13th from 10:30 a.m. until 6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. https://give.michaeljfox.org/

Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Sons Funeral Home in Columbia City, IN.

To send a flower arrangement in memory of Mike (Michael) Patrick Bailey, please click here to visit our sympathy store.