Reverend Douglas Babcock Bailey, 85, of Dublin, Ohio passed away on May 5th at Hospice of Central Ohio, with Gerry, the love of his life by his side. He battled Parkinson's with grace and strength for the past 12 years. He was born on February 7, 1935 to Dr. Francis and Nina Bailey of Montpelier, Vermont. Doug grew up in Gorham, Maine where he completed his early education as valedictorian of his high school class. He went on to graduate from The University of Michigan in 1956 with an undergraduate degree in English and then achieved his Bachelor of Divinity and Masters of Sacred Theology from Yale in 1960. He served as an ordained minister in New England for several years until moving to pursue his PhD at The University of Wisconsin. While there, he also served as the pastor of The United Church of Christ in Baraboo. Although an alumni of other universities, for the rest of his life Doug would follow Wisconsin sports with a fervor rivaled only by the love of the Red Sox he got from his mother. Once he completed his doctorate degree in 1973, the family moved to Grove City, Ohio. Doug then continued to serve The United Church of Christ while working as the Director of Family Life Education at Franklin County Children Services for 22 years. He retired at 59 so he and Gerry could travel the world. He loved the outdoors - climbing Mt. Washington, hiking the Appalachian trail, and snorkeling in the BVI. Doug and Gerry spent many weekends at Lake Erie fishing, and would share their catch with the church, friends and family throughout the year. He served as President of the Grove City Kiwanis Club and delivered the same Meals on Wheels route for 20 years. He was a past President of the Columbus chapter of The University of Wisconsin Alumni Club. Doug's favorite two words were "thank you." Even during his last days, he said thank you to everyone who entered his life. He was a gifted orator and was sought after for weddings and other events because of his amazing talent speaking God's word. Prayer was his love language through both word and song. He served the Lord even during his last years by leading a weekly religious discussion group at Dublin Retirement Village. He will be laid to rest with Gerry's family in Mazomanie, Wisconsin. He is survived by his wife Gerry, his sons Jonathan (Sophie Xiong), Rick (Linda Sommerfield), and daughter Sue (Mike Zazon); 12 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. Doug and Gerry would have celebrated their 50th anniversary on June 6th. A private family service will be held at Dublin Community Church on May 23rd. There will also be a celebration of life later in the year at Dublin Retirement Village. Condolences may be sent to Gerry at 6470 Post Rd. Apt. 208 Dublin, Ohio 43016, or at www.schoedinger.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Dublin Community Church/UCC, 81 W Bridge St, Dublin, OH 43017, or The Parkinson's Foundation, attn: Great Lakes, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131, in his memory. Arrangements are with SCHOEDINGER WORTHINGTON CHAPEL.
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