William Elmer Bailey passed away Tuesday, October 18, 2022.

Elmer was born in Phelps City, MO. In 1937, to James and Mabel Bailey. He went to High School in Mound City, MO. where he was an avid basketball/football player and graduated in 1955.

Of course...before he graduated, he met this charming little girl that took a train from Council Bluffs, Iowa to visit her grandma every summer for 2 weeks in the small town of Craig, MO. Fortunately for Elmer...her grandma went to the same church as him. After flirting and meeting her for the first time, he then told his best friend, "I'm going to marry that girl someday." From that day on, there were lots of letters and cards. Elmer could have gone to college with a scholarship, after graduation, but decided to move to Council Bluffs, Iowa to pursue his dream (Phyllis Bowen). She had 2 years left of high school. One day she ended up in the hospital with pneumonia and he decided to let her know that if she would get well and get out of there, he would give her a ring. He wanted to marry her. Phyllis graduated in 1957 and they then got married April 12, 1958, in Craig, MO. Through the years they gave birth to 3 children: Bill, Linda, and Jack.

Along the way he used his God given talents at many careers. First was Obeco (Omaha Body and equipment co), Gold Meadow (milk company), Iowa Riggers (cable making company), and PIE (Pacific Inter Mountain Express). He also became a professional fire fighter.

Later they moved to Tarkio, MO (1970) and worked at Missouri Beef Packers. There he proceeded to help his father farm. He farmed for 40+ years, as well as serving his town as the Fire Chief of the local volunteer fire department.

From Tarkio they moved to the family favorite vacation spot near Branson, MO. In fact, Elmer wished he had never retired! He worked at Silver Dollar City for 20 years. First at Fire in the Hole, then maintenance, and ending with entertainment tech. He absolutely loved what he did, and it served his talents well. At age 80, he finally retired.

Elmer loved helping his friends, neighbors, and family with anything they needed. Always having a way to fix what was broken or ready to create a new way to make things work, he had a creative mind and the ability to make things happen.

He and Phyllis were married for 64 blessed years.

Proceeded in death by his parents, James and Mabel; sister, Claudine; brother-in-law, Don; brother, James; and daughter-in-law, Pat.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; son, Bill; daughter, Linda; son-in-law, Mitch; son, Jack; daughter-in-law, Renee; grandkids, Daleen, Sean and wife Emily, and Mandi; great-grandchildren, Thane, Thaxton, Thoren, and Maximus; brother, Marion; and sister-in-law, Alice.

Elmer was loved by all that knew him and will be greatly missed. Until we meet again!