Gary Alvin Bailey

24 September 1936 - 13 October 2026

Dr. Gary Alvin Bailey, age 90, was surrounded by the love of his family as he passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 13, 2026, at Parkview Estates.

Gary was born in West Liberty, Iowa, on September 24, 1936, to Frederick Bailey and Emma Reda (Hahn) Bailey. Gary was the eighth child of eleven children born to Frederick and Emma and he dearly loved his eight sisters and two brothers. The Bailey family home was known to be filled with bustling energy and the infectious laughter of their large, close-knit family. In this youth, Gary enjoyed fishing in the creek near his neighborhood, working summers on the railroad, playing football and singing in the choir at West Liberty High School. It was during high school when Gary met his future bride, Barbara Ann Harned, who was a friend to several of his sisters. Gary and Barbara, whom he lovingly nicknamed “Bubbles", began dating when she was age fifteen to his eighteen years. Barbara's mother, upon hearing that her daughter was dating one of "The Bailey Boys" stated "He's too old for you!!!!". Barbara was smitten and would not be dissuaded and she and Gary were united in marriage on March 22, 1958, in West Liberty, Iowa.

After completing high school, Gary enlisted in the United States Army. He honorably served his country for three years as an Administrative Clerk in the Pittsburg, Pennsylvania area. Gary and Barbara welcomed their first son, Brian, in 1958. After leaving active duty, Gary and his young family returned to their home state and set up residence in Iowa City, Iowa. He was employed at the Owens Brush Company and during his eight years with the company, he quickly promoted to a supervisory position. Gary and Barbara welcomed their second son, Bret, in 1960. Gary later attended Palmer Chiropractic College in Davenport, Iowa, where he received his Doctorate of

Chiropractic (DC) degree. After graduation, Gary and Barbara moved with their growing family to Walla Walla, Washington, and embarked on his new chiropractic career. A few years later, they relocated to Kennewick, Washington, where they would welcome their third son, Sean, in 1976. Gary and Barbara went on to build a successful practice at Bailey Chiropractic Clinic on Columbia Center Boulevard in Kennewick which they operated until Gary's retirement.

Gary lived a life marked by his strength, his deep devotion to his family and the compassionate care he showed towards his patients. He was a natural-born leader and was always a few steps ahead of everyone else. He was a life-long learner and an avid reader, a consummate storyteller and an entertaining jokester. Gary enjoyed hunting and fishing throughout the Midwest, the northern lakes of Canada and finally in the icy waters of Alaska. It was in Seward, Alaska, where he allegedly caught the largest fish of the day, gleefully beating his sons when he reeled in a "barn door"- sized halibut. Gary treasured every minute he spent with friends and especially his family. Some of his most treasured memories include bragging on his sons (to anyone but them), teaching his four grandsons how to "water the trees" and watching them play in their beautiful backyard, attending the Tri-City Americans hockey games, picking huckleberries and snowmobiling in the Blue Mountains, spending time at their lake house in Priest Lake, Idaho, driving his prized Lexus vehicles throughout the United States, and exploring Panama, Mexico, England and Ireland--where he kissed the Blarney Stone. Gary also enjoyed life's simple pleasures including coffee and Spudnuts, a mid-day nap, watching TV, enjoying family dinners, or any time spent with family, especially his sons and his kind, beautiful and beloved wife, Barbara.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; Frederick and Emma Bailey; his eldest son, Brian, his sisters and brothers-in-law, Norma (Marvin) Finucan, Nola (John) Krogman, Darlene (Leonard) Millage, Maxine (Ivan) Young, Shirley (George) Schneider, JoAnne (Gene) Weig, Sandra (Loren) Lindhorst and Paulette (Frank) Salladay; and his brothers and sisters-in-law; Frederick (Marilyn) Bailey and Dennis (Clydene) Bailey. Gary would joke with his baby sister Paulette saying "Don't worry, I'll come back to Iowa for your funeral"--to which she responded "We will see about THAT!".

Those left to honor Gary's memory include his loving wife of sixty eight years, Barbara; his two sons and daughters-in-law; Bret and Brenda Bailey of Pasco, Washington and Sean and Tara Bailey of Marsing, Idaho; his four grandsons and granddaughters-in-law; Dustin Bailey of Honolulu, Hawaii; Allen & Shawna Bailey and Austin & Katie Bailey of Kennewick, Washington and Aedan Bailey of Boise, Idaho; his sister-in-law, Phyllis Kesler of West Liberty, Iowa and numerous nieces and nephews. Gary's family, friends and former patients will carry on his legacy by re-telling his favorites jokes and stories, going on adventures, giving (unsolicited) driving and parking advice, doing daily exercises and stretches, making room for good food, drinks and treats, and working hard and putting effort into what's most important in life..."because it only takes a little more for First-Class".

A private Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday, October 28th at 11:00 at Mueller's Desert Lawn Memorial Park, 1401 South Union Street in Kennewick Washington. A private Celebration of Life will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests condolence correspondence be sent to Barbara. Please email sean.bailey@sbcglobal.net for Barbara's contact information.