Darrell Poochie E. Bailey

Darrell E. Bailey was born March 4, 1924 in Hutchinson, Kansas to Myra and George Bailey. Darrell grew up in a time where there were chores to be done, no questions asked. When he was 16 he thought he shouldn't have to do chores, after all he was a "man". His mom asked him to do some chore and he said that was "a women's job" and when she took a broom to him he broke it. When his dad got home he was challenged. "So, you think you're a man!" He promptly took Darrell out back and they put on boxing gloves. His dad then told him to hit him. Darrell did and the next thing he knew he was flat on his back. His dad told him when he could do that to him, then he would be a "man" and until he then he had better do what his mother asked him! Darrell joined the Navy prior to graduation. He enlisted and finished his education while serving. Darrell was a seaman, cook, sonar man, teacher, and COB during his 26 years in the Navy. He made friends easily and those friends stayed with him though the years, some to his embarrassment. As an example: One morning the Admiral came aboard to inspect the ship and crew. The men were at attention for the Admiral. When the Admiral came aboard and started to greet the Captain he saw Darrell. The Admiral by passed the Captain and went up to Darrell to shake his hand and ask how he was doing. He loved the Navy and especially submarines. He met Florence while stationed in Manitowoc, Wisconsin where his ship was being built. They married after knowing each other just six weeks (after all it was war time) and were married just a month short of their 50th wedding anniversary. During their marriage they had the usual ups and downs; but, they loved to play jokes on each other. One such time Florence took a pitcher of ice water and poured it on Darrel while he was taking a shower. He in turn put salt in the sugar bowl (she liked sugar in her coffee). Florence then put coffee in a beer bottle and placed it in the refrigerator with a cap on it so when Darrell came in after working outside in the hot sun and grabbed his beer he got a BIG surprise! After Florence died Darrell got together with Mimi. Her and her husband (deceased) had been best friends with Darrell and Florence. So, the two got together and had a wonderful marriage for twelve years. After Darrell moved to Las Vegas he met Louella and spent some happy times with her. Darrell was very lucky with the women who loved him. Darrell is survived by: his daughters, Charlotte Melluzzo, Kathleen Aldrich, and Cheryl Bustamante; his six grandchildren and 15+ great-grandchildren. Arrangements under the direction of Palm Cheyenne Mortuary, Las Vegas, NV.