John Bailey

John “Johnny” Bailey, 90, of Marshalltown, Iowa, passed away at home on January 28, 2021, with his loving family by his side. A visitation for John will take place on Saturday, February 13, 2021, from 5:00-7:00 PM with a time of sharing at 7:00 PM, at Mitchell Family Funeral Home. The time of sharing will be livestreamed on Mitchell Family Funeral Home’s Facebook page for those unable to attend at https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell-Family-Funeral-Home-99280714047/ . Memorials may be directed toward UnityPoint Hospice - Grinnell. For additional questions or to leave a condolence, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234. Born John Bailey Jr. on July 12, 1930, in Marshalltown, he was the son of John (Sr.) and Ruth (Eichorn) Bailey. John graduated high school in Albion in 1948. Shortly after, John was devoted to a life of farming; he raised Black Angus cattle and did so for many years alongside his father. John was a strong man in his faith. A lifetime member of First Presbyterian Church, John loved to share the blessings of God with those whom he met. John was blessed with 43 years together with his wife, Audrey (Rush-Debe) Bailey. Together they conquered the land and waters of the United States, often traveling to Arizona for their summers and practically living aboard their motor yacht. John’s yacht earned him the nickname “Big Kahuna” when its large wake would leave nearby jet-skiers begging for a chance to ride the waves. John spent many years showing his children around the world from Montana to Nevada and Hong Kong to Thailand. John spent lots of time fishing Lake Michigan, always looking to catch the next steelhead, coho, or king salmon. He had many a good time at the lake. John was never seen without a smile, and he was always ready to share that smile with anyone, especially his dear close friends and family.  Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Audrey; his children, Deborah (Ronald) Hanson of Marshalltown, and David Bailey of Marshalltown; his step-sons, Rick (Teri) Debe of Mukwonago, WI, Jeff (Kim) Debe of Franksville, WI, and Rob (Sue) Debe of Kenosha, WI; nine grandkids, nine great-grandkids, and one great-great grandson; as well as a large host of friends and other family members.  John is reunited in heaven with his parents, John Sr. and Ruth Bailey.