Arlen Ray Bailey, passed away Thursday, June 25, 2026, at home. He was born on September 26, 1933, and lived 92 years of life to it’s fullest.
He went to work at Monsanto in November of 1961 and retired from there and enjoyed the monthly breakfasts when employees of Monsanto met. He loved life and enjoyed it so much. His favorite past time was gardening. He was happiest when his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren came to visit him. He loved holidays when his family would all get together, the noisier the better. Arlen was blessed to be Father to over a hundred children throughout his life, because of the foster care system.
He was preceded in death by his wife Wanda Spears Bailey, his parents Curt and Vida Bailey, sister Nellie Ruth Clendenin, and niece Doreen Clendenin.
Left behind to cherish his memory are his children: Terry Bailey and wife Lisa, Reed Bailey and wife Allison, Jody Bailey and wife Sharon, and his favorite daughter Tammy Bailey Cavender and husband Jeff. Arlen was blessed with 8 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and one on the way.
A Celebration of Arlen’s life will be held on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at 1:30 pm at Cooke Funeral Home, Nitro with Pastor Kevin Starcher officiating. Burial will follow in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes, WV. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 1:30 pm
We ask that you not remember the way his life ended, but how it was lived. And the impact his life had on those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
May his memory be a blessing to us all, and may we carry his legacy of love and compassion in all that we do.
