Richard Wayne (Dick) Bailey, 85, of Grinnell, died on Saturday, July 28, 2023, in the home he was born, raised and spent his life in, surrounded by family, under the care of UnityPoint Hospice.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 PM on Friday, August 4, 2023, at Smith Funeral Home – Grinnell, IA. A celebration of life gathering will follow the service from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Friday, August 4, 2023. Private burial will be held at Hazelwood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be designated to UnityPoint Hospice – Grinnell, and mailed in care of Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112.

Dick was born at home in rural Poweshiek County on December 12, 1937, the son of Russell Lee and Alma Mae (Heltzel) Bailey. Dick was united in marriage to Mary Elaine Walker on December 30, 1956. Together they raised five children: Terry, Marty, Brent, Lisa, and Scott.

The last of five children, he spent his life farming the same ground tilled by his father, until 1983 when he moved into the construction business from which he retired in 2008. Many local folks now shelter under a roof or walk on concrete poured by Dick and sons, not to mention the many miles of field tile he laid.

Dick was well known for his love of family, his ability to tell a great story, and an uncanny knack for finding heart shaped rocks. Many will recall Dick riding by on his four-wheeler. His larger-than-life personality will be remembered by many who were lucky enough to call him Dad, Brother, Uncle, and friend.

Richard is survived by his children; Marty (Vonna) Bailey of Grinnell, IA, Brent (Terri) Bailey of Spring, TX, Lisa (Jim) Klipfel of Colorado City, CO, and Scott (Leslie) of Crawfordville, IA; a sister Virginia Durr; 16 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary, in 2013; a grand-daughter, Kasey Thompson; a son, Terry Bailey; daughter-in-law, Maria Lynn Bailey; and siblings, Charles Bailey, Perry Bailey, and Edith Mae McCain.