On Wednesday, January 4, 2023, Robert Warren Bailey passed away peacefully at the age of 62 at Cox South Hospital in Springfield, MO.

Rob was born on August 25, 1960, in Neodesha, KS to Albian "Bud" Bailey Jr. and Nancy Dreisbach, both who preceded him in death. In 1965 the family moved to Springfield, Missouri, but Rob always remained a Kansas boy at heart. He attended Sunshine Elementary and Jarrett Junior High. His high school years were spent at Kickapoo where he was a star track athlete, holding school records in the 800m, 3200m, and 3200m relay. He loved to remind his family he was voted "cutest smile" in the 1978 graduating class. Rob earned his BA in Business Administration in 1987 and his MBA in 2001, both from Missouri State University.

Rob worked in the beverage and wine industry for several years, holding positions with Gallo Winery, Major Brands and Glazer's before transitioning to medical sales, spending much of his career at Johnson & Johnson. Rob enjoyed the science and autonomy of his work. He loved sharing his professional knowledge with others and served as an adjunct professor in the Marketing Department at Missouri State University for several years. After retiring in 2015, Rob took ownership of Rountree's Homegrown Food, a corner grocery steps away from his home. There he was able to share his passion for local food and building community. His reputation as a trusted community leader propelled him to run for office as the Democratic candidate for the Missouri House of Representatives in 2018. Though Rob fell short in a competitive race, his campaign proved pivotal in finally flipping the district in the following election.

Throughout his life, Rob's favorite career was being a husband and father. He happily found himself in the role of head chef for Cousins' Campouts and was adept at both starting and extinguishing fires during family July 4 celebrations in Neodesha. Rob enjoyed golf, fishing, and cooking, but never more than when he shared those joys with his loved ones. Rob is survived by his wife Jacqueline Hymer Bailey; his three children Lindsay Bailey Papp (Greg), Amber Bailey Dixon (Greg), and Alex Bailey (Emma); his mother LaDonna Bailey; his sisters Alecia Whetsel (Rusty), Lea Ann Bailey, and Andrea Wetmore (Trent); his brothers David Baughman, Mike Baughman (Mary), and Chad Baughman (Kim); sister-in-law Beth Gioia; brother-in-laws Mark Hymer, Phil Hymer, and John Gioia; countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; and his best friend, the girl who made him "Pa", his granddaughter Fiona. Those who knew Rob will remember his endless curiosity and unfailing wit. He was a generous host, an affectionate husband, and an ideal father. He will be dearly missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. February 11, 2023, at Twin Oaks Country Club in Springfield, MO. Memorial donations may be given to St. Jude's Children's Hospital and the Missouri Department of Conservation.