Robert Bailey

Robert "Bob" Lowell Bailey, 84 of Bolivar, Missouri passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, September 21st, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Lola Bailey and his brother, Jerry Bailey.

Bob spent his childhood in Onarga, IL, where there was always an adventure to be found.
He shared stories of swimming in the creek, riding bikes, hanging out with Cousin Jack in the treehouse, and hopping trains. He graduated from Onarga High School in 1959 and went on to earn a horticulture degree from Michigan State University. He was a talented Landscape Architect and Horticulturalist. He proudly served in the US Army Reserves from 1963-1969.

Bob met and married the love of his life, Sally Eckart, in 1966. Bob & Sally had two daughters and raised them just outside of Crescent City, IL. They moved to Geneva, IL in 1986 and had many good years there before retiring to Bolivar, MO in 2005. On August 30th, 2026, Bob & Sally celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Bob enjoyed traveling, gardening, and fishing with his grandchildren. He had a wonderful sense of humor, loved to make people laugh, and always made funny faces in every family photo. The memories of the love and laughter that he shared with his family will always be cherished.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sally Eckart Bailey, Bolivar, MO; brother, Alan Bailey, Watseka, IL; sister Linda Gourley, Piper City, IL; Daughters, Amy (Gary) Bayless, Fair Play, MO and Alison (Jim) McDivitt, Fuquay-Varina, NC; Grandchildren, Andrew (Sammie) Fetters, Spring Hill, KS; Adam Fetters, Kansas City, KS; Alec (Grace) McDivitt, Angier, NC; Jesse (Samantha) Brown, Morrisville, MO; Joseph (Camille) Brown, Kansas City, KS; Ashley (AJ) McDivitt, Cary, NC; Drew (Emma) McDivitt, Raleigh, NC; and Great-Grandchildren, Creed Brown, Jameson Fetters, Wyatt McDivitt and Eleanor Fetters.