Jerry Duane Bailey

Jerry Duane Bailey “aka Poppie”, 79, passed away on Sunday, November 1, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of love, laughter, cherished memories, and stories that will be told for generations to come.

Jerry was born on June 12, 1947, at his family home in Dykersburg, Illinois, to Harley Lavern (Bill) and Francis Edna (Butch) Bailey.

On August 6, 1966, Jerry married the love of his life, Lillian Marlene (Wharry) Bailey. Together, they shared 50 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and adventures. The two enjoyed traveling together and building a life centered around their family. Following Marlene’s passing on August 22, 2016, Jerry’s love and devotion to her never faded. He visited her resting place faithfully each day for as long as he was able, a beautiful testament to a love that endured far beyond their years together.

A proud United States Army veteran, Jerry served his country as a mortarman. He spent more than 19 years working as a coal miner and dedicated over 20 years to umpiring baseball and softball, becoming a familiar face throughout the local ball fields.

Jerry had a lifelong love for the game of baseball, but nothing brought him greater joy than watching his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren compete. Whether it was baseball, softball, volleyball, cheerleading, football, or basketball, if one of his grandchildren or great-grandchildren was participating, you could almost guarantee Jerry was somewhere in the stands. He was especially well known for his designated spot at the Crab Orchard ball field, a place where countless memories were made and where his presence will be deeply missed.

Known for his jolly spirit, ornery personality, and contagious laughter, Jerry loved telling stories and sharing a good laugh with those around him. When he wasn’t at a ballgame, he could often be found cheering on his beloved St. Louis Cardinals or enjoying a John Wayne movie and a good old-fashioned Western. He had a way of making ordinary moments memorable, and his stories and laughter will echo in the hearts of those who knew him.

Jerry is survived by his three children, Michelle (Bailey) and Greg Chamness, Chad and Tricia Bailey, and Cory Bailey and partner Kenna; his six grandchildren, Kasie (Chamness) and Ian Ham, Jessica (Chamness) Hill, Jamie (Bailey) and Braden Drake, Dylan and Courtney Bailey, Cory Bailey and Riley Johns, and Katelyn (Bailey) and Wyatt Lenhart; and his eight great-grandchildren, Jaycee Hill, Hayden Ham, Addison Dabbs, Lillyann Bailey, Parker Bailey, Livia Lenhart, Ellie Jo Drake, and Jake Bailey.

He is also survived by his siblings, Sandra and Tom Simpson and Kevin and Carla Bailey; his sister-in-law, Darlene Bailey; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who loved him deeply and whose lives were made brighter by his laughter, stories, and unforgettable spirit.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Blue Funeral Home under the direction of Binkley-Ross. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 6, 2026, from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Blue Funeral Home located at 1704 North Court Street in Marion. Funeral services will begin at 1:00 PM with Pastor John Cooper officiating. Interment will follow in Pleasant Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests with gratitude that memorial donations be directed to the Shriner’s. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Please visit www.binkleyross.com to leave condolences online for the family.