Kenneth Bailey

Kenneth Eldon Bailey, 70, of Idaho Falls, passed away February 18, 2011, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center from complications due to pancreatic cancer. He overcame many obstacles and survived nearly three years after diagnosis. Ken was born April 4, 1940, in Pocatello, Idaho, to Eldon Bartel Bailey and Esther Aileen Pendlebury Bailey. He graduated from Mackay High School in 1958 and continued his education at Idaho State University and the Salt Lake School of Electronics. He called Idaho Falls home for the past 43 years. He married Irene Anderson, in Arco, on September 14, 1962. Ken worked for Boeing in Seattle and was very proud of his contribution in building the Minute Man Missile. Ken and Irene later moved to Colorado Springs, where they welcomed their first son, Todd. They made many memories and friends in Colorado Springs and Ken fondly remembered his time as a volunteer fireman. Two and a half years later, they settled in Idaho Falls, where their second son, Steven, was born. Ken worked as a Technical Security Specialist for many years. He retired in 2001 from the INL. He was a Mason and involved with the Idaho Falls Youth Hockey Association. Ken often told stories of his time volunteering in the early days of the Idaho Falls rink. Ken enjoyed traveling, gardening, spending time at the family ranch in Mackay, elk hunting, skiing, and fishing. He treasured his family time at annual camping adventures at Redfish Lake, opening day at Henry’s Lake, and Cove Creek for steelhead fishing in the fall. His landscaping and roses were his pride and joy. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren Mason, Andrew, Alyssa, Carter and Morgan. Ken loved to watch his sons and grandchildren play hockey and traveled many miles to various tournaments over the years. Ken had the gift of being able to fix anything in need of repair. He loved figuring out how things worked and was eager to pass that knowledge on to his family. In 2004, after 42 years of marriage Ken lost Irene to cancer. On June 18, 2005, he married Donna Jean Oltmanns in Idaho Falls. He became her Prince Charming and gained four children, six grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Ken also enjoyed visiting with Donna’s parents. He and Donna experienced many trips visiting friends, enjoyed back yard barbeques, and went on photo adventures to discover new trails. It was a wonderful five and half years for them. Survivors include his wife, Donna Jean Bailey of Idaho Falls; Son: Todd (Kathleen) Bailey of Pullman, WA; Son: Steven (Debbie) Bailey of Idaho Falls; three stepdaughters, Wendy (Adam) Hotzel, Trudy (Lyle) LaBonte, and Kerry Oltmanns, and a stepson, Buff Oltmanns, all of Idaho Falls; two brothers, Brent (Marie) Bailey and Byron (Janett) Bailey, his sister, Barbara (Bob) Shelton, his grandchildren, Mason, Andrew, Alyssa, Carter, Morgan, Casey, Brittney, Brianna, Cassidy, Addie, Erika, Nathan, and numerous nieces and nephews. Ken was affiliated with First Baptist Church and Trinity United Methodist Church. Memorial Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, February 24, 2011, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 237 North Water Avenue, with Reverend Brenda Sene officiating. He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Irene. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ken’s memory to Idaho Falls Youth Hockey Association, P.O. Box 1592, Idaho Falls, ID 83403-1592 or Huntsman Cancer Foundation, 500 Huntsman Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108 (801) 584-5816. “May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.” (Excerpt from Irish Blessing)

Memorial Services -- Thursday

1:00 p.m. ,Thursday, February 24, 2011 Trinity United Methodist 237 North Water Avenue Idaho Falls, ID 83402