Donald Graham Bailey
12/17/1931 - 12/13/2018
Mesa, AZ
Donald Graham Bailey peacefully passed away December 13th while he was surrounded by his loving wife and other family members. Donald was born December 17, 1931, the first son of Albert George Bailey and Gwendolyn Graham Bailey in Tecumseh Michigan. He attended schools in that community and graduated from Tecumseh High School in 1951. He served in the U.S Navy from April 1952 until March 1956, as a “SeaBee”. As a member of Mobile Construction Battalion No.9, he trained and served as a heavy equipment operator in the Philippines and Adak, Alaska. Through a Navy buddy he met Karlene Webb of Lakeside, Arizona and they were married on December 17th 1954. They are the parents of 8 children: Teena (Larry) Barnes, Ayan (Kumen) Dixon, Dona (Randy) Flake, Chad (Collette), Jay (Shelby), Lanae´ (John) Jackson, Garn (Joni), Zona Bailey

After attending Eastern Arizona College, and then graduating from Northern Arizona University, he taught 7th and 8th grade, and coached all sports at Show Low Junior High in Arizona for 7 years. He loved sports. He participated, coached, refereed, and supported children and grandchildren in sports of all kinds. He moved with his family to Mesa, Arizona where he worked for Wendell Webb Construction, Cooley Enterprises, and the cities of Chandler and Tempe. He worked for the Arizona State Highway Department from 1984 until retiring in 2000.

He served in the Mesa, Arizona Temple in different capacities for 20 years which he considered the most fulfilling part of his life. He will be remembered for his great love for The Savior Jesus Christ, for his love for his family and for others, his great patience, and his willingness to serve and support others.

He is survived by his wife Karlene, Brother Joel of Ann Arbor, Michigan, 8 children, 33 grandchildren, and 28 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held December 28th at 10 A.M at the Hermosa Vista Stake Center. 2701 E. Lehi Road. There be a viewing at the same location on Thursday December 27th from 7 to 9 p.m. Burial in Lakeside Cemetery December 29th at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers please make a contribution to the Humanitarian Relief Effort of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

https://www.ldsphilanthropies.org/humanitarian-services/funds/humanitarian-general-fund

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