Obituary: David ‘Beetle’ Lee Bailey

October 30, 1957 – April 16, 2024

David ‘Beetle’ Lee Bailey, 66, Orleans, passed away Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at Indiana University Health Hospice House.

Born October 30, 1957, in Lawrence County, he was the son of John L. and Sharon Lavonne Bailey (née Hall).  He married Darlene Gale Henson on November 29, 1996, and she survives.

Beetle worked for Regal Beloit and Otis Elevator before returning to his country roots, working with Nutrien Agricultural Solutions, where he retired. Unphased at the prospect of hard work, Beetle was known for his dedication to providing for his loved ones. His hard work led to an even heartier appetite, and he loved to spend his free time at social gatherings with his family. He set an excellent example of hard work, loyalty, and dedication in life, instilling these values into all who knew him. These values will live on forever in the hearts of those fortunate to know him, allowing him to live on far beyond the day of his passing.

Surviving is his wife of 27 years, Darlene Gale Bailey of Orleans; stepchildren Brenda Stephenson and her husband, Josh, and Mark Peters of California; grandchildren Cole Stephenson and his fiancée, Whitney, of Wisconsin, Colton Krise of New York, and Brennan and Justice Ayers of Bloomington; mother, Sharon Lavonne Bailey of Orleans; siblings, Tom Bailey and his wife, Norma, of Mitchell and Larry Bailey and his wife, Patti, of Bloomington and many friends, nieces and nephews

His father, John L. Bailey of Mitchell, and sister, Judy Gathard of Morristown, preceded him in death.

The funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, April 20, in the Memorial Chapel of Chastain Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Mitchell, Indiana, with Grant Garthwaite officiating. The burial will be held at Talbott Cemetery in Mitchell, Indiana. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until the service on Saturday at the funeral home.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.chastainfuneralhome.com