Rex Bailey

Emanuel Rex Bailey, affectionately known as "Rex," rode his final adventure early morning on October 20, 2023 at the age of 85 in Lake Odessa, Michigan. Born on December 14, 1937, in Lansing Michigan, Rex left behind a trail of precious memories and laughter.

Rex was a one-of-a-kind character, always up to lend a helping hand with his infectious smile or to pull a prank. When it came to work, he spent most of his adult life working his way up the ladder at the Lake Odessa Canning Factory. From Seabrook Foods to Twin City Foods, he managed the “Canning Factory” as the plant supervisor. And hey, let's not forget his short pit stop at Ore Ida foods in Greenville!

Rex was all about his hobbies. He enjoyed the thrill of the open road, cruising on his motorcycle with Wes Meyers, reeling in big catches while casting his line whether on the Big Lake with Bob or Tupper Lake, and knocking down pins with his bowling buddies the Longanbach brothers and Rex Goodemoot. And when it came to card games, nobody could outdo his playing skills at the weekly Euchre meetups. Rex LOVED to go to the casinos with Pat Walkington. He also recently became a UTV enthusiast, racking up 100's of miles over the last 5 years, mostly with Dave Stewart!

Rex's legacy lives on through his daughter, Tery K. (Jim) Holly, his grandchildren Lierin (Marco) Falzoni, Kellan Holly and Michael Saravia. Making sure this journey was unforgettable, Rex leaves behind his niece Sally (Mike) Stout, Douglas (Cheryl) Bailey, Brent (Terry) Bailey, and his sister-in-law Margot Bailey, nephews Kevin (Amaya) Durkee, Kyle (Heather) Durkee and niece Barb (Tom) Clement. His special friends Wes (Connie), Jonathan (Karla) Meyers, Nathan (Ting) Skirvin, Morgan (Josh) Frye, Dave (Arlinda) Stewart, Rachel, Bo (Sarah), Blake and Ellie Cobb, the Knights of the Round Table at C & R’s, his many Tupper Lake Heights friends. As the great road of life goes, Rex was preceded in death by his mother, Velma A. Allerding, his father, Clinton J. Bailey and his brother, C. Don Bailey, as well as a numerous aunts, uncles and friends Polly Eldridge, Wayne Wilson, Robert Cobb III and Kay Creighton.

Also a special heartfelt thanks to Faith Hospice. Aide Kim, nurses Ella, Molly, Kim and Karis, Kristina and Chaplin Mike were invaluable to his later care.

Join us for a farewell celebration at Koops Funeral Home in Lake Odessa, Michigan, On Tuesday, October 24, 2023 from 5pm until 8pm. Funeral services will be held at Koops on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at 11am with burial taking place in Lakeside Cemetery.

In honor of Rex's big heart, contributions can be made to the Mel Trotter Ministries, Faith Hospice, St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Boys Town, causes that meant a great deal to him.