Donald Lynn Bailey, age 76, of South Lebanon, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2023.
Born on November 10, 1946 to the late Lee Roy and Maggie L (Stratton) Bailey in Portsmouth, OH.
Donald joined the Navy in 1964 at the age of 17. His professional career ran the gamut, Naval Reserves, Ohio Power Lineman, United States Postal Worker, Sales Executive.
Graduate of Ohio University-Portsmouth Branch. He and his wife Maria Solange also ran a popular Restaurant (El Sombrero) and Clothing Store (El Ropero/Off Campus) in Portsmouth and were members of the Chamber of Commerce. Donald enjoyed the fraternity that this helped to develop within the community.
He loved coaching baseball, softball and soccer from his teen years all the way through his children’s careers.
Donald’s passion for sports carried over to his love for the Reds, the Bengals and most especially, The Ohio State Buckeyes. All three of his children attended The Ohio State University.
Donald’s love of travel started in the Navy. He would visit his wife and mother-in-law in Nicaragua, and he continued to travel domestically and internationally throughout his life.
His love for Broadway started at OU where he minored in Theater. He was the lead actor in a number of productions.
Donald is survived by his wife of 55 years, Maria Solange Bailey. Daughters Elisa Lynn (Shawn) Neuhaus and Maria Denise Bailey (Timothy Thomas), and son Christopher B (Nicole) Bailey.
Grandchildren Aleq Whitt, Gabrielle (J.T.) Carrino, Nicolas (Rachel) Neuhaus, Cadin Neuhaus, Sophia Neuhaus, Tristan Neuhaus, Gabriel S Bailey, and great grandchild Ella Carrino.
Siblings Carol Sue Ward and Steve Bailey along with numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends who adored him.
Donald was preceded in death by son Gabriel Lee Bailey. Siblings: Reva Jean Vanhoose, Sarah Maxine Walburn, Geraldine Bush, Leota Wilson, Gilbert Bailey and Lowell Bailey. Mother-in-Law, Maria Elisa Nuñez and close friends of the family Charlie and Vera Love Moore who helped Donald and Solange immensely as their careers flourished and their family grew.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (nchv.org).
Services will take place Friday, April 14, 2023, with visitation from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm and service at 2:00 pm at F.C.Daehler Mortuary located at 915 Ninth Street, Portsmouth, Ohio 45662.
Please visit www.fcdaehlermortuary.com to leave a special memory or condolences for Donald’s family.
