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William Henry Bailey, affectionately known as “Bill,” passed away peacefully at home in Creston Jan. 5, 2026, at the age of 83. Born Feb. 25, 1942, in the home of his parents in Union County, Bill grew up with a strong work ethic that would carry him throughout his life. He was educated in the Thayer schools and graduated with the class of 1960 from East Union High School, marking an important milestone as a member of the very first graduating class.
Bill dedicated his career to the agricultural and landscaping industries, starting his own business, The Bailey Company, LTD, where he specialized in installing and repairing grain handling equipment until 1994. After relocating to Oklahoma in 1994, he established Bailey Landscaping Service, which he operated until returning to Afton in 2011. Known for his industrious nature, Bill was proud of his hard work and the legacy he built over the years.
Family was central to Bill’s life. He was a devoted husband and father who took immense pride in his loved ones. He was united in marriage to Marjorie Lou Booth July 23, 1961, at the Arispe United Methodist Church. This cherished union was blessed with two daughters, Julie and Kelie, both of whom he held dear. Bill was also incredibly proud of his accomplishments in horse breeding, notably raising a quarter horse that would earn the title of Quarter Horse of the Year.
Bill enjoyed an active lifestyle, characterized by his love for outdoor activities. He had a passion for riding and racing snowmobiles and found joy in showing and racing his quarter horses. An avid fisherman and hunter, Bill especially enjoyed coyote hunting and elk hunting in Colorado. In retirement, he cherished the time spent fishing with his friend Russell.
Bill is survived by his loving wife Marjorie (Booth) Bailey of Creston; two daughters, Julie (Blaine) Kamp of Ankeny and Kelie Bailey (Randy Pingree) of Creston; five grandsons: Tyler (McKenzie) Lawrence, A.J. (Kayla) Lawrence, Levi (Sarah) Green, Diego Vasquez and Maximo Vasquez and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Phyllis Clark of Urbandale, brother-in-law Richard (Sue) Booth of Thayer and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Jessie Ross and Maymie Pearl (Petersohn) Bailey; three brothers and sisters-in-law: Robert and Delores Bailey, Richard and Shirley Bailey and Gary and Connie Bailey; two sisters and brothers-in-law: Betty and Leland Eckhardt and Ruby and Ronnie Cornelison; brother-in-law Donald Clark and his in-laws, Merrill and Beryl Booth.
The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the staff of EveryStep Home Care and EveryStep Hospice for the exceptional care they provided to Bill and the family during his time of need.
To honor Bill’s wishes, no services are planned at this time. In remembrance of Bill, the family requests any memorial tributes be made in the form of contributions to EveryStep Hospice of Mount Ayr. Bill’s legacy of hard work, dedication to family and zest for life will forever remain in the hearts of those he touched.