Thomas Leon Bailey

Thomas Leon Baileyt was born April 10,1939 in Phoenix, Arizona to Tom & Lottie (Raley) Bailey. When Leon was 5 years old, the family moved back to Oklahoma. Leon was reared on a farm north of Sentinel. He attended Port School until he was a sophomore in high school. Leon's parents rented a farm in the Dill City school district and during the middle of Leon's sophomore year they moved. It was at this time Leon met his future wife, Nadine Killer of Dill City. He and Nadine graduated together in 1958. Leon was in a high school rock 'n roll band and played regularly at Craterville.
He was also an amazing baseball catcher as well during his high school career.
Leon entered the United States Air Force in November 1958. He married the love of his life in January 1959 after completing basic training. They began their married life at Barksdale AFB in Bossier City, LA. Leon was also stationed at Thule AFB in Greenland; Little Rock AFB in Little Rock, AK; Chanute AFB in Chanute, IL; and McCoy AFB in Orlando, FL, during the 8 years he served in SAC Air Force. Leon's duties during the last four years were as a nuclear weapons missile technician attached to the B-52 bomber aircraft. He was awarded many ribbons and awards during his tenure. After discharge from the United States Air Force, he and Nadine and children moved back to Dill City, OK, where he was engaged in farming and helping his father-in-law run the family farm and grade A dairy. Nadine worked alongside Leon as his helpmate and worked long hours on the farm and dairy. In 1967, Leon and Nadine
continued their education by attending Southwestern Oklahoma State University,
graduating in 1970. They began teaching school at Hobart, Oklahoma. During this time, Leon was also in a bluegrass band and sang bass in a gospel quartet. In 1973, Leon was hired as a career counselor for the Western Vo-tech school and then he became the assistant superintendent for adult education and business and industry. In the fall of 1989, Leon became superintendent of the Altus Southwest Technology Center where he served until 1993. He had a long and enjoyable career in education, retiring with 31 years of service.
During his education career, Leon was also a member of the United States Army
Reserve where he was awarded many medals and awards. Leon served as a drill sergeant for a number of years and was promoted to 1 st sergeant (also known as TOP). He retired from the military with 22 years of service.
Leon was also in the financial services business in Altus, OK, from 1994 to 2004.
During retirement, Leon drove charter buses for Altus Public Schools, Western
Oklahoma College, and Agape Tours. In his retirement, Leon spent most days in his fully equipped woodworking shop.
Leon became a Christian at age 13. He and Nadine attended Altus First Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher.
Leon is survived by his son, Steve Bailey and wife of Nolanville, TX; daughter Brenda Krewall and husband of Hobart, OK; 11 grandchildren; and 16 great grand children. He is also survived by brothers Truman Bailey of Sentinel, OK and Darrel Bailey of Fort Worth, TX.
Leon was preceded in death by his loving wife, Nadine Bailey, his parents, one brother, one sister, and two granddaughters.
In lieu of flowers donations may be to the Altus Salvation Army.
The Bailey family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Friday, November 28, 2025 at Lowell - Tims Funeral Home, Altus, Oklahoma.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 29, 2025 at Altus First Baptist Church, Altus, Oklahoma. Graveside services will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 29, 2025 at at the South Burns Cemetery, Dill City, with full military honors.
Services have been entrusted Lowell - Tims Funeral Home and Crematory, Altus, Oklahoma.