Daryl Wayne Bailey

Daryl Wayne Bailey passed away January 30, 2024. He didn't want an obituary, saying those who knew him would hear about it. Just as in life, he was humble and happy to stay in the background. Those of us who knew him would agree he deserves much more.

Daryl was born in Tulsa on December 13, 1949, and was a Cherokee County resident since the age of five. His parents, Woodrow and Ava (Wilkey) Bailey, had extended families in Cherokee County and a desire to farm. Wood ran a dozer business to supplement their farm income and Ava was well-known for her farming expertise, friendliness, and a deep desire to help others. Daryl and his brothers learned the value of hard work and the strong love of family from their parents.

Daryl always helped others. His family would tell you he helped “widows, orphans and the monks”, when in reality he would help anyone in need. He never let it be known if he were inconvenienced as he took helping others as his responsibility and was glad to do so.

While in high school he worked for Ozark Nursery. After finishing school, he worked as an iron worker, started a dairy farm, and eventually found himself back where he started: in the nursery business. He and his wife, Deborah, started a wholesale container plant nursery, SugarTree Nursery. From their first quonset, they knew they had found their passion. The business grew every year, which spoke to their expertise, commitment, and strong work ethic. After 22 years in the business, they sold SugarTree and retired to travel and spend time with family.

Daryl and Deborah (Akerman) Bailey were married 37 years. Daryl is survived by their children, Scott (Heidi) Cobb, Rachel Bailey, and Rebecca (David) Mosher. When the grandchildren and then great-grandchildren began arriving, life was THE best. Daryl is survived by five grandsons, Lane (Whitney) Cobb, Braden (Alyssa) Cobb, Blake Mosher, Lucien Gamache and Grant Gamache. He is also survived by four great-grandchildren, Maddox, Blakely, Baker and Addy. The greats, all born after retirement, were Daryl's first chance to spend a lot of time with young children and he was convinced that his could do no wrong. Daryl is also survived by a brother, Roger (Patricia) Bailey, nieces and nephews, as well as many good friends.

Our hearts were broken when Daryl joined his parents, his brother Terry, and daughter Trinity in heaven. While we cannot imagine this world without Daryl, we will do all we can to share the things he taught us, both in words and by his actions, as well as to appreciate every moment to it’s fullest.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Reed-Culver Funeral Home. Visiting with the family will be Sunday, February 4th, 2024 from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM at Reed-Culver Funeral Home. The Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at St. Brigid Catholic Church at 807 Crafton Street in Tahlequah on Tuesday, February 6th, 2024 at 11:00 AM with Father Stuart Crevcoure and Father Davis Medina officiating.