Gerald Robert Bailey

Gerald Robert Bailey, 89 of Firestone, passed away November 20, 2018 at his home. Jerry was born on June 25, 1929 in Moscow, Idaho to Clarence LeRoy and Fern (Stephen) Bailey. He grew up in Moscow, ID and at the age of 9, he began taking art classes at the University of Idaho. At age 13, his family moved to Spokane, WA. Jerry advanced through school and graduated early in 1946 from Lewis and Clark High School in Spokane. He proudly served in the United States Navy working in the Construction Battalion Seas Bees. When he was honorably discharged, Jerry continued his service for the next five years in the Naval Reserves. On June 24, 1972, Jerry married the love of his life, Grada Nielsen in New Era, Michigan.Jerry was a multi-talented man, working as an iron worker and anything with electricity; nuclear plants, fossil fuel plants, dams and he even helped build Denver International Airport. He earned his 70-year pin with the Iron Workers Union, making him the longest standing member.He was an artist, creating many pen and ink western pieces. He enjoyed diving and collected several rare shells from his adventures. Jerry is preceded in death by his parents and two siblings, Jack Bailey and Beverly McCarty.He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Grada Bailey, their daughter, Christine (Steve) O'Dell of Firestone, CO, two grandchildren, Bailey and Brendan O'Dell, a son, Monty Bailey of Mesa, AZ, and one sister, Barbara Oldham of Kennewick, WA. Visitation will be held Saturday, November 24 from 10:00am until the time of the funeral at 11:00am at Ahlberg Funeral Chapel. Interment will be held privately at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver. CO.