Richard A. Bailey, 79, of Washington, Kan., went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, November 4, 2018.

A funeral service will be held at 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 7, at Ward Funeral Home in Washington. The family will receive friends one hour before services at the funeral home.

Richard was born on May 27, 1939 at Fort Worth, Tex., to Jay and Jacqueline (Labricquis) Bailey. When he was 17, he met the love of his life, Mary Ray at Phipps Store in Hebbville, Md. They were married on August 8, 1959 in Ellicott City, Md.

He served in the U.S. Army for 7 years but more importantly he was a rock to his family and most he met. His unselfish life and quick dry wit leaves who adored him reeling as if the wind has been knocked out of them. Yet, because of his wisdom as guidance they will continue on the strength of his memory.

Survivors include his wife, Mary; five children, Debbie (John) Karpiak, Corsicana, Tex., Tami (Vince) VanSant, Belleville, Kan., Terry (Ruth) Bailey, Corsicana, Tex., Lisa (Larry) Kehne, Charleston, W. Va., and Michele Morris, Greenleaf, Kan.; grandchildren, Ritchie Huffman, Stephen Bailey, Candace Bailey, Claire (Bill) Lahodny, Shane Saleker, Bonnie (Dylan) Seley, Tyler VanSant, Kenner Karplak, Meghan McGlohen; one great-grandchild, Annabelle Lahodny; and two very special friends, Carmen and Ralph Pierce, Linn, Kan.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Dr. Erickson, Clay Center Medical Center and Meadowlark Hospice. A memorial fund has been established and will be designated later. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home.