Edward K. Bailey was born May 15, 1937, in Roanoke, Alabama. God called him home peacefully on January 1, 2022. He was the oldest of two children, Edward “Ed” Bailey was born to Joseph H. Bailey and Mary W. Petree. His family relocated to Vancouver, Washington when he was three years old. He attended primary and high school in Vancouver. He attended Clark College during that time he served in the National Guards and then transferred to the Army Reserves where he served proudly for 36 plus years.
Bailey married Elmer Jean Yarbrough, was the proud father of three children Anthony, Terri and Timolin. He was a hard-working and dedicated man. He worked for the Boeing Company for a short period of time. He then was hired and worked with the United States Post Office, where he served as Postmaster for Baker City, Oregon before retiring.
In 1980, Bailey met and married the love of his life Nan “Nancy” they married on March 21, 1981. He became a loving father to Pamela Toyer. Edward and Nancy celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary last year. He and Nancy were able to spend several retired years together. They enjoyed traveling and getting together with family to play card games and socialize with extended family and friends. To the grands and great-grandchildren, he was known as Papa or Grandpa. He was a strong leader and our respected formidable patriarch. Bailey really loved to talk politics and read the newspaper, he was an avid reader and stayed up-to-date on the most current events happening throughout the world. He was a news enthusiast. You could find him giving commentary on current issues and sometimes he would write his opinions or concerns about a subject matter. He really, really, really LOVED his football! He would watch the ball games during his leisure times. Bailey served as a Deacon under the leadership of Pastor Robert Jeffries at the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Seattle, Washington until he had health challenges.
Bailey, affectionately known as “Papa” to his family, is survived by his loving wife Nancy. His children Anthony B. Bailey, Terri Lynne Spann, Timolin Abrom and Pamela Toyer, 8 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren who adore him. One brother Joseph “Larry” Bailey and a host of relatives and friends. Final services will be held at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church on Saturday January 15, 2022. The viewing will begin at 10:00 a.m. with an 11:00 a.m. Service.
