Was born in Osage, Iowa on December 1, 1926 to Roy and Dorothy Bailey. He was the second of four boys. In 1930 the family moved to Mason City where Bob graduated from M.C.H.S in 1944. It was during those years that music became his major interest. He played piano, drums, accordion and baritone horn. He was a member of the National Champion Mason City High School band and won first place in the State contest on the piano. He received a music scholarship from Drake University, Des Moines, but WWII interrupted his education. Bob enlisted in the Army on February 14, 1945, was stationed in the Philippines in August. He was discharged as a corporal in November 1946.
He attended Mason City Junior College and Iowa State teachers College and received his BA degree in 1950 and continued onto Washington State receiving his Master's degree in 1966.
Bob was a high school band director in Iowa and Washington for 40 years before retiring in 1990 from Newport High School as music supervisor for the Bellevue school district south zone.
During all the years he kept up his keyboard skills by accompanying instrumental and vocal groups and soloists on the piano. He was church organist of St. Peters United Methodist Church from 1966-2010.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Jerry, Jack and Dick Bailey. He is survived by his loving wife, Colleen Bailey and son Thomas Bailey and two grandchildren Tara Mattila and Ryan Bailey.
All remembrances may be made to the NW Parkinson's Foundation.