Michael Allen Bailey

In the words of Jan Bailey

Michael Allen Bailey was born April 22, 1956 in Dayton, OH to Thurman J. "Juge" Bailey & Stella Marie (Lambert) Bailey. At age 5, Mike & his parents moved to Washington Courthouse, OH. Mike made many lifelong friends as he grew up in Washington Courthouse - many that he had until he passed. He often told of the many times he would ride his bike all over town, with his best memories being to the town pool, where he would spend hot summer days. He also told of having his own mowing business when he was young. Charging $2 per yard, he eventually saved up enough money to buy a riding lawnmower, which allowed him to increase the number of yards he could mow....and thus, make more money! He was so proud that he always had his own money to buy things for himself - his first album (vinyl, of course), his first concert tickets - things he wanted but didn't want to ask his parents to buy him. When his family would go on vacation, most times he'd have more money to spend than his parents! He loved their trips to Myrtle Beach - sometimes taking one of his friends to make it even more fun. They camped, hunted for Morel mushrooms (bringing home grocery sacks full) and spent time with his aunts, uncles & cousins. Mike was always so frustrated that he couldn't remember where they hunted the mushrooms because they're really tasty (and way too expensive to buy)! He had such wonderful memories of his time growing up in Washington Courthouse & often recounted many of those times.

In 1972, Mike's family moved to Fort Wayne, IN  - the summer after his sophomore year in high school. They lived in Turtle Creek Apartments (called so at the time) and Mike quickly made new friends. One of his first was a young girl from New York who had just moved in. He was drawn to her loud voice, no nonsense demeanor & willingess to be a friend and have fun. He & Allison became fast friends, but kind of lost touch after each of them moved. However, they reunited later after he found out she was engaged to one of his best friends! He had no clue that this girl Larry had been talking about was his old friend! When school started in the fall of 1972, Mike attended Heritage High School. One of his best friends - Greg - recounted when he first saw Mike. He said, "I was sitting there in class & in walked this guy with a ripped up jacket, a wallet on a chain & the biggest afro I ever saw! He sat down next to me & I thought, 'I'm this scrawny little 130 lb nerd - this guy's gonna kill me!' ". But it didn't take long til they were making fun of the teacher & became fast friends - a friendship that lasted 44 years. And yes - you heard right - Mike had LOTS of hair back then!! He met his other best fried - Steve - through Steve's sister. She had gone to pick up one of her friends for school & offered Mike a ride. Then he met Steve & they formed a lasting friendship as well. Steve is usually at our house on Sundays, watched over our cats & home when we were out of town & always was willing to help out with projects around the place, especially once Mike's health got worse & he was unable to do things himself. I myself, will never be able to repay Steve for all his kindness & help. Steve was such a good friend that he even got Mike involved in watching NASCAR --no really - NASCAR!! Mike picked a driver to root for - the #22 car (because of his birthday) - Joey Logano. So next time you're watching NASCAR be sure to root for him!

Mike & I began chatting online in the summer/fall of 2000 - in a POGO bingo game room where you were able to "chat" as you played bingo. At first I gave him grief, because when he had started playing bingo in that room, a friend of mine thought he was her ex-boyfriend, Ray. So he'd type something into the chat box & I'd respond - "OK Ray - whatever you say." He'd finally had enough of that & had me check him out with a couple of others in that bingo room, and said he "would wait for my apology." Turns out he WASN'T Ray, and I did apologize. Throughout the years, I would call him Ray just to remind him. We met in person (in a public place!) in January of 2001, and as they say, "the rest is history." We married on Wednesday, November 21, 2001, the day before Thanksgiving that year. We went to his mom's house the next day & she innocently asked us what was up. Imagine her surprise when Mike told her we'd gotten married the day before. It took a little convincing that we had, indeed, gotten married & she was extremely happy for us. She was happy that Mike & I had found each other - even in such an unorthodox manner (at the time). Mike often said he inherited a bouncing baby 10-yr old - speaking of my son Josh. Things with Josh were rough at times, but Mike stood steadfast & provided a wonderful example of how to be a father even in difficult circumstances. He once told me that he had so much he'd like to share with Josh that his own father had taught him. Through the years, they both grew to love each other and made sure to let the other know that.

For those who didn't know, Mike had an amazing recall of past events in his life (although he had trouble remembering what I might have said to him 10 minutes earlier....lol). It was wonderful to watch & listen to him with old friends as he recalled things from their shared past experiences. They would get a look on their face & often commented "How in the world did you remember that?", as many times they'd forgotten what had happened. He was always quick to point out when their own memory was faulty. But it ever ceased to amaze me how much he remembered.

Many of Mike's friends have commented about how nice he was - "one of the good guys." And he was - he had a kind heart & was nice to most everyone (unless you gave him a reason not to be nice to you). But almost everyone to a fault also commented on how he could always make them laugh. And he did love to make people laugh! He liked it most when people would laugh in spite of the corny jokes he told. He told me more than once those were the favorite laughs he would get out of me....the ones where I would snort because I was trying not to laugh...but then would burst out laughing. Mostly because the joke was so bad you couldn't help but laugh! But he did also tell some truly funny jokes - I will have to give him that. Just not many...lol. He truly liked to make people laugh. I can't even count how many times he would just do or say silly goofy things for a laugh.

As many of you know, Mike's health has been up & down throughout the 18 years we've been together. There were times when he was healthy & we'd go on walks, we both lost weight & we'd go out to do things - like go to Cincinnati Reds games. I am just as big of a sports fan as he was - he said many times he loved that about me. I could speak intelligently (most of the time) about whatever sports was on, but baseball was our shared passion. He would recall information from the Reds of days-gone-by & it was always so interesting & we'd have such lively discussions. I even convinced him to root for my favorite team - the Houston Astros (well - after they left the Reds division!). He also loved going to my brother's lake house in Missouri. He was so content to just putt around the lake on the pontoon boat - relaxing & taking it easy. Mike always fit in so well with my family - he could take a joke as well as he could dish it out....and my family's pretty good at dishing it out.

These things are just a few components of Mike Bailey. Like all of us, he could be a pain....but when he loved you, it was a strong love. I know he cherished me, our life together, my son Josh & grandson Jarret, along with his sisters Mary Jo James & Linda Carter, his cousin Connie Lockwood, his nephews Brandon, Mike & Tim. He also cherished my family...my mom & dad, brothers, nieces & nephews & all our extended family.

Mike went to be with the Lord on June 25th, 2020. He left this world as he wanted to - peacefully in his sleep. I will forever be thankful that our last words to each other were "I love you." And Mike - I will always love you, and I know you will always love me.