Larry Bailey

“Well done, good and faithful servant!” Larry Bailey entered the Kingdom of Heaven on September 25, 2014 at the age of 74. His diagnosis of melanoma was treated at MD Anderson in Houston, TX. Several blessed years followed. Larry was born in 1940 to Harvey and Mary Bailey in San Antonio, TX. Larry is survived by his wife of 49 years, Roberta Ann Bailey of Midland; daughters, Kathryn Lynn Bailey and Karen Bailey Guerra of Midland; grandchildren, Chase Carl Locke and Cole Perrin Locke of Midland. Larry graduated from Breckenridge High School in San Antonio, TX then attended SMU University on a band scholarship. Larry learned at an early age work ethics peddling fruits and vegetables with his father. As the only helper, Larry made as much money as two grown men. Hearing the Lord’s call for service, he entered the SMU Perkins School of Theology to prepare for ministry. Larry served in the Southwest Texas Methodist Conference for 35 years. His first charge was with Claus Rohlfs at St. John’s Methodist Church in Corpus Christi, TX; his last charge in Sinton, TX in 2002 to be near family. Pawpaw’s house was the place to build things, carve pumpkins and bake cookies. He continued a fulfilling ministry as Associate Pastor at St. Luke’s UMC. Service was a calling in Larry’s life. When service opportunities arose, Larry eagerly signed up to help. You could find him delivering meals on wheels, praying with the ill and grieving for Hospice, preaching sermons at Manor Park, distributing food for Amos, giving communion for Emmaus, or serving a meal for Family Promise. And don’t let him catch you resting, “There is work to be done.” Memorial gifts may be given to St. Luke’s UMC, 3011 W. Kansas Ave., Midland, TX, 79701; Hospice Midland, PO Box 2621, Midland, TX, 79702; or MD Anderson at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030. Memorial services will be held on Monday, September 29, 2014 at 2:00 PM at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Midland with Rev. Kathryn Boren officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com. ,