Robert (Bob) Bailey

Robert Michael Bailey (Bob) passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 with his wife next to his side. He was sixty-one years old and fought a courageous battle with prostate cancer for fifteen years. Bob was born to Marilyn Jean Bailey in San Pedro, California on May 30, 1958. He spent the first twenty-three years of his life in San Pedro. Bob graduated from San Pedro High School in June 1976. Next, he achieved his Bachelor’s Degree in Finance/Business Administration from Cal State University, Long Beach in December 1981.

Bob went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Loyola University, Chicago in May 1988. This complemented his vast career where he started out as a Financial Analyst with Hughes Aircraft Company. Then, he went into Project and Program Management. He ended his career at the age of fifty-five (Yay!, early retirement) as the Vice President of United States Sales for Raytheon-ELCAN, a manufacturer of high precision optics with factories in both Canada and Texas.

Bob lived in several different locations throughout his life including Ames, Iowa; Chicago, Illinois; Midland, Ontario, Canada; Vista, California; and the last nineteen years of his life were in Plano, Texas.

Bob is survived by his wife of thirty-six years, Deborah and daughters Narelle Bailey, Allison Butler and her husband Adrian, Kristen Barger and her husband Justin, and his son, Mathew Bailey. Additionally, Bob is survived by seven grandchildren including Douglas Bettarelli, Paige Bettarelli, Corinne Bettarelli, Matthew Butler, Robert Butler, Christian Barger and Edward Butler. He is also survived by his sister, Dr. Debra Bailey, who resides in Naples, Florida. He was preceded in death by his mother Marilyn Bailey and his sister, Karen Lynn Bailey.

Bob’s family was the joy of his life and he was grateful and fortunate to spend many decades enjoying each of them. Bob could not be more proud of his entire family and the wonderful memories they provided him over the years. Bob absolutely loved to barbeque for his family in his backyard. He would often say, “The best steak I’ve ever had comes from my own backyard!” Also, Bob was ‘famous’ among his family and friends for the delicious tacos he would prepare for everyone. On any given weekend, the entire family could be found at the cottage on Cedar Creek Lake, Texas. Bob, his wife and their beloved son, Mathew, spent countless weekends repairing and building the cottage, preparing it for the many memories to be made with family and friends. Endless amounts of happy times were made here whether it be boating, fishing, cooking, working on the house or just relaxing and taking in the beautiful sights and sounds of lake life.

Bob was no stranger to hard work and this is the same mentality he forged through his long battle with cancer to his family and all of those impacted by him. Above all else, Bob was a dedicated, son, husband, father and brother. His greatest joy and most proud moments surrounded his wife, their children and their grandchildren. He is missed more and more with each passing day. His family will hold their memories of Bob, Dad, close to their hearts and always have solitude with the strength that he gave them.
Dad, The Baileys, The Bargers and The Butlers love you, forever and always.

A tentative Celebration of LIfe will be held for Robert Bailey on his 62nd Birthday in Plano, Texas on May 30, 2020.