Judge David E. Bailey, age 87, of rural Tightwad, Missouri passed away peacefully at his home Wednesday, January 8, 2025 surrounded by his family and friends.
David was born July 20, 1937 in Kansas City, Missouri to Otis W. and Gertrude (Barrett) Bailey. He was raised in the Kansas City area and graduated from Central High School in 1955. He was a middleweight fighter in the Golden Gloves until joining the United States Army in 1958 serving in the 3rd Armor Division Spearhead Scout Platoon where he befriended and served alongside Elvis Presley. He also served in Germany and was stationed at Ray Barracks. David was discharged on Elvis’ birthday January 8, 1960, and Elvis was the last person in Germany he spoke to before leaving. They kept in touch over the years, until Elvis’ death in 1977. Ironically, David passed away 65 years later on Elvis’ birthday.
After serving in the Army, David returned to Kansas City where he worked for the Union Pacific Railroad before attending college and graduating from the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Law. He then moved to the Tightwad area and opened a private law practice, eventually going to work for the Army Corps of Engineer’s as an attorney, helping with the construction on the Harry S Truman Dam and the forming of Truman Lake. David was elected the Henry County Missouri Associate Circuit Judge in 1978 and served until 1995 when he became Senior Associate Circuit Judge until his retirement in 2010.
One of David’s greatest loves was his ranch. He enjoyed raising cattle and horses; he competed at the Wild Horse Race at Cheyenne Frontier Days in Cheyenne, Wyoming for many years, resulting in many broken bones, until his 60th birthday when he retired from competition. David loved to go to the fall cattle round-ups in Colorado also.
He was preceded in death by his parents Otis and Gertrude Bailey, brother William E Bailey and sister Carol Ann Ryan.
David is survived by his loving wife of 30 years Betty Ruth, of the home, sons, Danny Bailey of rural Tightwad, MO, Kenneth Wall (Glinn) of Oak Grove, MO, Jeff Wall (Robin) of Lincoln, MO. Grandchildren; Miles Bailey, Lauren Bailey, Kenny Wall (Shelby), Makala Byrom (Xavier), Landon Wall, Grace Wall, Jordan Tramados (Jesse), and Alyssa Arnold (Brian). David is also survived by 5 great-grandchildren, a sister Norma Jean Cowdirck (Charles) of Kansas City, MO, a nephew Billy Bailey and niece Tammy Bailey both of Belton, MO.
David will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather and for his integrity and bravery.
A memorial visitation was held January 17, 2024 at the Vansant-Mills Chapel, Clinton, MO.
Services were under the direction of Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, MO.
