Billy Joe Bailey, 81, of Osceola, MO, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on January 2, 2025, at Golden Valley Memorial Hospital, Clinton, MO.
Joe was born July 14, 1943, the only child, to William “Bill” Bailey and Rosethel “Rosie” Hobbs Bailey at their home in Peculiar, MO. Growing up Joe was heavily involved in the Boy Scouts of America and worked hard to achieve his Eagle Scout merit. He was known around Cass County as being a great basketball player and being a participant, if not instigator, of many high school shenanigans.
Joe’s favorite pastimes were buying and building guns, trap shooting, hunting, fishing, making his own fishing lures and reloading ammunition. Joe began trap shooting as a teenager and traveled all over Missouri for many years as a registered shooter with the Missouri Trap Association. Joe graduated from Peculiar High School in 1961 and immediately went to work for the Ford Motor Company, following in his father’s footsteps. On August 22, 1968, Joe married the love of his life, Sandra Cameron Bailey. They were married for 56 wonderful years. Joe was known as a man willing to help anyone in need and living life to the fullest. He was a Free Mason for 52 years and served as secretary for the Lowry City Lodge many of those years. In 1991 Joe retired from the Ford Motor Company and he and Sandy moved to Truman Lake to build the home of their dreams. He joined Faith Lutheran Church in Warsaw, MO by adult confirmation in 1993 & attended faithfully with Sandy until he became homebound at which time they worshiped from home. Joe and Sandy had a total of 4 sons in whom Joe took immense pride. Joe loved teaching his sons all he knew about working on cars, guns, hunting, fishing, and life. He loved to hear their stories showcasing the skills he taught them that have carried them into adulthood. Joe was so proud of all his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, seeing them follow in his favorite hobbies and watching them grow into the exceptional individuals they are today.
Joe is survived by his wife, Sandy of the home, four sons, Steve Bailey of Butler, MO, Mike Bailey of Osceola, MO, Scott Bailey and wife Jennifer of Peculiar, MO, Kelly Bailey and wife Christina of Peculiar, MO, nine grandchildren Nicole (Saylor) Bailey, Stephanie (Andrew) Fritts, Brittany Houchen, Brett (Paige) Houchen, Ryan (Brittany) Bailey, Lane (Kaylon) Bailey, Katie (Eric) Green, Darian (Conrad) King, Hunter Bailey, sixteen great-grandchildren and one great- great-granddaughter, numerous other extended family and too many friends to count.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents Bill & Rosie Bailey, father & mother-in-law Stanley & Emma Cameron, brother-in-law Bill Cameron and sister-in-law Arlene Wells.
Visitation will take place at Faith Lutheran Church, 1201 Dogwood, Warsaw, MO on Saturday, January 25, 2025 from 12:00pm to 2:00pm with a Celebration of Life immediately following.
Masonic Funeral will be Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 10:00am at the Shawnee Masonic Lodge, 305 Jefferson St, Warsaw, MO. All are welcome.
Family suggests casual attire for any attendees.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Faith Lutheran Church where Joe attended with Sandy.
2 Condolences for Bailey, Billy Joe
Condolences(2)
Merry says
January 16, 2025 at 9:44 amOur family offers condolences to your family. My sister, Margaret, really enjoyed talking to Joe that one time she met him and has fond memories of his stories. Bless you all and we pray for peace and comfort for your family. ~ Merry
Kim (Lawson) Madewell says
January 17, 2025 at 9:32 amCondolences to you and your family. I remember coming over to y’alls house when we were younger and Joe was always bigger than life to me. Such a cool guy! Big hugs and prayers for you Sandy!