The Excelsior Standard, Sept. 8, 2023

Ralph O. “Beetle” Bailey, 89, of Excelsior Springs passed away peacefully on Aug. 30, 2023, at home. Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 2, at Mount Tabor Cemetery in Atlanta, Mo. Ralph was born May 6, 1934, in Kirksville to Manford and Birdie (Brown) Bailey. He grew up in Atlanta, Mo.

In 1952, he went to work for the Santa Fe Railroad. After two years in the U.S. Army, serving in Okinawa, Japan, alongside his identical twin brother Ivan, he returned to the railroad, retiring in 1997 with 45 years of service.

His favorite hobby was model railroading. He was a railroader, through and through. He also enjoyed and took pride in building things, especially birdhouses.

Ralph was preceded in death by his twin brother, Ivan Bailey; sisters, Zandy Edwards and Margaret Simler; two infant grandchildren, Andrew and Rebecca Bailey; and infant great-grandson, Rhoan Bailey.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Glenna (Jones) Bailey, of the home; son, Michael O. (Karen) of Kansas City; grandsons, Bradley O. (Erica) of Kansas City, Daniel P. (Mariah) of Fulton and David C. of Gladstone; great-grandchildren Dean, Emelia, Bear and Honey; and brother, Jamie Bailey (Rena) of Huntsville.

Donations in memory of Mr. Bailey may be made to the Excelsior Springs Hospice or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Ralph Bailey