of Pleasant Grove, AR

March 8, 1938 - October 27, 2025

In Loving Memory of Gordon Fred Bailey March 8, 1938 to October 27, 2025

Gordon Fred Bailey was born on March 8, 1938, in Houston, Texas, to Edwin Stone Bailey and Sarah Isabell Bailey. He passed away peacefully on Monday, October 27, 2025.

On January 25, 1964, Gordon married the love of his life, Betty Sue Bailey (née Kemp), in Pasadena, Texas. Together, they shared 61 wonderful years of marriage.

Gordon's lifelong curiosity led him to explore many passions. His early interest in archaeology took him to the Harlan site in Oklahoma, where he participated in a summer excavation under the guidance of Dr. Robert Bell. He proudly served two years in the U.S. Army at Fort Lee, Virginia, achieving the rank of E-4.

Following his military service, Gordon worked in various roles within the gun industry before spending 22 years as a machinist-welder at Champion Paper in Pasadena, Texas. He retired in 1994 at the age of 56.

A devoted student of Japanese swords, Gordon's dedication led to a remarkable encounter with Osaki Shigeharu YasuMune, the last living swordsmith of the sacred Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo. Gordon was honored to visit YasuMune in Japan, where he assisted in forging a sword later presented to the shrine on its 75th anniversary a trip he fondly described as a ''fantasy.''

Gordon was a proud member of both the Confederate Sons of America and the Sons of the American Revolution, tracing his ancestry back to Jamestown in 1610.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Betty Sue Bailey; daughters, Carrol Diane (Daniel) Schwabauer and Anna Leigh Bailey; grandchildren, David Ortega, Sarah Ortega, and Gabrielle Schwabauer; great-grandchildren, Sophia Ortega and Ethan Ortega; nephew, Jason (Sandra) Keepers; great-nephew, Noah Keepers; and a wide circle of extended family and friends.

Gordon was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Sarah Bailey, and his sister, Katherine Keepers.

A private graveside service will be held at Marcella Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Jason Keepers, Noah Keepers, Jimmy Massey, and Mike Kemp.

Daniel Schwabauer will be leading the service as the speaker.

Arrangements are entrusted to Roller Crouch Funeral Home of Mountain View.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Crouch Funeral Home
405 Peabody
Mountain View, AR  72560
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com