Donald Bailey Obituary

Click here to watch livestreaming Donald Don Bailey of Belle Fourche passed away peacefully on July 5, 2025 surrounded by his family. Don was born on July 30, 1940 in Clark SD to Sylvester "S.J." Bailey and Olga Rasmussen. He grew up on the family homestead near Baileys Lake. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Clark, SD. Don graduated from Thorp High School in 1958 and then attended South Dakota State College, Northern State Teachers College and University of South Dakota where he earned Bachelor and Masters Degrees as well as his Teaching Certification. Don married Helen Steen on August 27, 1961. Together they raised 4 children, Ona Rae, Steven John "S.J.", and twins Lynn Alan and Lee Burton. He started his teaching career at Highmore and then moved back to Clark where he taught math and science for many years. He retired from teaching in 1978 and moved to Spearfish where he started a construction company. Don always enjoyed helping others whether through his teaching career, truck dispatching, or working at the Belle Fourche Landfill and handyman work. He was known as a generous and honest man to all who knew him. Throughout the years, Don enjoyed woodworking, camping, feeding his birds and card playing. He was a longtime member of the Lutheran Church and the most recent being St. James Lutheran in Belle Fourche, SD. He is survived by his wife Helen, children, Ona Rae (John) Archer of Stanwood, WA, S.J (Annette) Bailey of Spearfish, SD, Lynn (Rachel) Bailey of Sioux Falls, SD, Lee (Audra) Bailey of Spearfish, SD, 13 Grandchildren, 4 Great Grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister LaVern Wells, brothers Merrill and Kenneth. A Visitation will be held Thursday, July 10th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Kline Funeral Chapel in Belle Fourche. Funeral Services will be held Friday, July 11th at 2:00 pm at St. James Lutheran Church in Belle Fourche. Interment will be in Rose Hill Cemetery at Clark, South Dakota Thursday, July 17th at 2:00 pm A memorial will be established for Richard M. Schulze American Cancer Society Hope Lodge The funeral will be livestreamed and can be viewed on Don's Obituary Page at klinefuneralchapel.com On online guest book and video tribute is available at klinefuneralchapel.com To send a flower arrangement in memory of Donald Bailey, please click here to visit our sympathy store.