Darrel A. Bailey, 79, U.S. Air Force Veteran

Born in Lorain on March 16, 1945, he was a 1963 graduate of Lorain High School where he was enrolled in the vocational machine shop program.

Following graduation, he joined the Thew Shovel Company where he worked as a machinist for several years prior to enlisting in the United States Air Force in September of 1965.

During his service he rose to the rank of Sergeant and fulfilled duty assignments as a Radio and Radar Repairman attached to the 752nd Radar Squadron during the Vietnam War. Darrel was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal as well as the Air Force Good Conduct Medal.

Upon his return from military service in 1971, he re-entered the tool and die industry and worked for several entities prior to joining Advanced Manufacturing Co. He secured an early retirement from that firm in 2004 in order to provide full-time care to his ailing wife.

Darrel was a past member of Amvets Post # 47 in Lorain. In his free time he enjoyed history and politics, as well as following the trials and tribulations of the Cleveland Guardians (Indians) and Browns. Additional interests included travel along with the continual quest to maintain and restore his century home. Undeniably, his favorite pastime was spending time with his family.

He is survived by his son Ken Bailey (Jodi) of Lorain, and daughters Moe Bailey of Augusta, Georgia, Colleen Fox of Lagrange, and Michelle Howes (Shannon) of Lewis Center, Ohio. He also leaves grandchildren Trent and Hayden Fox, Hannah, Emma, and Jack Bailey, as well as Declan and Aislinn Howes. Additional survivors include his sister Laetta “Sis" Parsons (Bob) of Lorain, and nephew Warren Parsons (Julie) of Toledo.

Darrel was preceded in death by his wife Mary (nee Pastor) in 2017, his father Warren J. Bailey, and mother Mabel Bailey (nee Coon).

Friends may call Thursday May 16, 2024 in from 12:00 noon until the time of funeral services at 1:00 p.m. in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel – 3224 Broadway, Lorain. Mr. Ed Morris and Ms. Diane Harsch, Spiritual Care Coordinators for the Hospice of the Western Reserve will co-officiate. Entombment will follow at Resthaven Memory Gardens in Avon where military honors will be conducted by Amvets Post #32 of Elyria.

In lieu of flowers, Darrel’s family strongly encourages contributions in memory to either the Alzheimer’s Foundation or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

To share your condolences, please visit his tribute page at www.gluvnashimohromada.com.