Gary Franklin Bailey

BAILEY, Gary Franklin, age 90, of Waynesville, passed away Thursday, May 30, 2024, at The Enclave of Springboro. Upon graduating High School, Gary joined the United States Marine Corps, where he proudly served for four years during the Korean War. He honorable earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal. While working for Armco Steel, he had an office at Hooks Field in Middletown. After over 30 years of service, he retired as their chief pilot. A kind and loving spirit, he was a member of the Waynesville Masonic Lodge, the Antioch Shriners, and the Warren County Shrine Club. He greatly enjoyed helping with their fundraising. Christmas was his favorite holiday because he could spend time with his family. Traveling with his wife, Freda, and family was a hobby he significantly cherished. They toured the United States in an RV for ten years, exploring everything. Their favorite adventure was out west. He was very proud of his dedication to go through school and become a pilot. He loved what he did for a job and every aspect of flying. Among many things, he will be remembered for being a great family man and a terrific father. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Deborah "Debbie" McKeehan; parents, Sam and Emma Bailey; and two brothers, Wayne Bailey and Ralph Bailey. He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Freda; one daughter, Cynthia (Mark) Poff; son-in-law, Mark McKeehan; four grandchildren, Scott (Jennifer) McKeehan, Amy McKeehan, Adam (Chelsea) Poff, and Eric (Lauren) Poff; six great-grandchildren, Parker McKeenhan, Christopher Spencer, Elizabeth McKeehan, Katie Mckeehan, Grayson Poff, and Savannah Poff; and two brothers, Dale (Phyllis) Bailey and Neil (Linda) Bailey. A combined celebration of life service for Freda and Gary will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, August 16 at Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville. The family will receive friends from Noon to 2 PM on Saturday at the funeral home. At the conclusion of the services at the funeral home, family and friends will be invited to travel out to Red Steward Airfield in Waynesville to scatter the cremated remains via airplane (weather dependent). If desired, contributions may be made to the Quaker Heights Nursing Home “residents’ activities fund.” Condolences at www.stubbsconner.com.

Gary Franklin Bailey

September 4, 1933 - May 30, 2024