William "Bill" Alvin Bailey

William “Bill” A. Bailey, 83, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away on Wednesday, June 6, 2018, at Omaha Methodist Hospital. William was born September 24, 1934 in rural Cozad, Nebraska to Vern and Esther D. (Rookstool) Bailey. He grew up in the Anselmo/Merna area and graduated from Merna High School in 1953. Bill then attended Boston College for two years where he studied photography. He joined the Navy on December 28, 1954, and was the head photographer of his unit during the Korean Conflict. He also spent time in the Bikini Islands.  Bill was honorably discharged on December 17, 1958. Bill moved to Lexington in 1962 and was united in marriage to Marilyn A. Kreutzer on February 4, 1966 in Big Springs, Nebraska. Three children were blessed to this union: Michael, Traci, and Troy. In 1966 Bill and Marilyn moved to Lexington where Bill owned and operated Bailey’s Sports Shop until 1990. He then turned his business into Longhorn Laundromat, which he ran with his wife Marilyn until 2004. Bill kept himself busy being a part of many organizations. He was a member of the NRA, International Woodcarvers, North Platte Woodcarvers, V.F.W., Cozad Elks Club, American Legion, and Ducks Unlimited, where he served as Chairman in 1977. He was also in instructor at Central Community College in Kearney, Nebraska, from 1985-1987 and was a member of the Dawson County Historical Society. Bill enjoyed many hobbies in his lifetime: hunting, fishing, photography, traveling, his love for woodcarving and being a wildlife artist. Bill donated his beautiful woodcarvings of birds for many years to Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever and countless other silent auctions. He also enjoyed spending time with his family on Jeffrey Lake near Brady, Nebraska, and dearly loved his grandchildren. Survivors include his wife, Marilyn of Lexington, Nebraska; sons, Michael (Deb) Bailey of West Point, Nebraska, Troy (Kami) Bailey of Lexington, Nebraska, and Mike (Judy) Thurmond of Sagle, Idaho; son-in-law, Bryon Amend of Greeley, Colorado; 12 grandchildren, Brooklyn, Cade, Bryce, Jalen, Broedy, Keira, Arianna, Ean, Morgan, Jessica, Sarah and Stephanie; and 4 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Traci; and sister, Marlene Pollat. Funeral Services will be on Tuesday, June 12, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington with Pastor Rob Kuefner, officiating. Visitation will be held on Monday, June 11, from 5-7 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Lexington with Military Honors. Memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church, Dawson County Relay for Life or Lexington Community Foundation. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com