Don E. Bailey, age 80 of rural Alexandria and Frankton, passed away on Friday, December 14, 2018 at his home surrounded by his family following a two-year battle with cancer. He was born July 17, 1938 in Frankton, the son of Claude and Cuba (Summers) Bailey. Don was a grain and livestock farmer all of his life, and had a true passion for cattle and farming. He was a 1956 graduate of Frankton High School. Don married the love of his life, Judith “Judy” Morris on December 1, 1957 and they recently celebrated 61 years of marriage together. He was a longtime member of Madison Park Church of God in Anderson; was a life member of the Elwood Elks Lodge #368; and was very active in the Madison County 4-H program and livestock auctions for decades. He enjoyed fellowship in the “Don Knotts” men’s group in Frankton on Sunday mornings, and he formerly belonged to the Farmers Union. Don also enjoyed fishing, reading Louis L’Amour books about the western frontier, and listening to western-themed music. More than anything, Don loved working in his barns, driving his Case tractor in the fields, and spending time with cows on the farm. He was devoted to this family and especially enjoyed the company of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Don’s family legacy includes his wife, Judy Bailey of rural Alexandria; daughter, Tami (husband Phil) Davis of rural Frankton; son, Tony (wife Cathy) Bailey of Frankton; sister, Bonita “Bonnie” Harper of Frankton; 4 grandchildren, Brook (husband Kevin) Reichmuth of Louisville, KY, Eric (wife Nikki) Bailey of Fairmount, Tara (husband Andrew) Flack of Fishers, and Abby Bailey of Frankton; 5 great-grandchildren, Allison and Grace Norton, Cade and Bryce Reichmuth, and Carley Davis; “adopted” grandson, Jamie Cole; and several nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Dallas “Max” (wife Ruthie) Bailey.

A funeral service celebrating Don’s life will be conducted at 11:00 am on Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastors David Reams and Tom Malbone both of Madison Park Church of God officiating. Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 pm on Monday, December 17, 2018 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.