Darrell J. Bailey

Darrell J. Bailey, 91, of Van Buren, passed away Saturday, November 22, 2025 at his home. He was born September 3, 1934 in Van Buren to the late J.T. and Evalee (Holmes) Bailey. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He was the manager of a parts store, and a member of Living Hope Church where he served as a deacon for over 20 years. He was a devoted Christian, and lived by the Golden Rule bringing laughter, warmth, and connection to everyone around him treating them with dignity, compassion and kindness making each person feel seen and valued.

As a country boy, Darrell loved to fish in the local rivers and ponds around Van Buren. He also loved to golf, having his own golf cart used at the Cedars Country Club where he joined his golf buddies. He loved gardening and always raised an over abundance of vegetables, much of which he either canned or gave away to neighbors. He hand-fed peanuts to a couple of squirrels while living in Van-Alma, before moving to Monarch Drive where he continued to garden on a smaller scale and enjoyed the company of his dog, Rocky.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Barbara Lou (Foley) Bailey.

He is survived by cousins, Don Bailey of Buckeye, AZ, Jerry Bailey of Santa Barbara, CA; Brenda Bailey Hill of Alma, and Paula Garrigan of Jay, OK.

Graveside service will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at the Fort Smith National Cemetery, under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren, AR.

Pallbearers will be Troy Fonville, Paul Daherty, Anthony Bowers, Mark Sallee, and David Bray. Honorary pallbearers will be the Van Buren Class of ’52; and his golf team, Lester Hopewood, Bill Gentry, Paul Summerhill, Jacky Satterfield, Kenny Summerhill, Jeff Mathis, and Paul Summerhill.

The family will visit with friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, 4100 Alma Highway, Van Buren, AR.