Francis Leroy Bailey

Francis Leroy Bailey, 82, of Ottawa, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, February 9, 2022. Private family inurnment will be held later at Highland Cemetery, Ottawa. Leroy was born July 2, 1939, in Sabetha, Kansas, the son of Lester E. and Frances Lucile (Kistner) Bailey. He has lived in Ottawa since 1961. After completing high school, Leroy continued his education at Emporia State Teachers College graduating in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science in Business, Math and Secondary Education. On November 10, 1972, Leroy was united in marriage to Arlyce Servatius in Ottawa. Leroy worked with Ottawa High School and Lawrence Public Schools as a teacher for many years. He also did accounting, payroll, income taxes, computer programming, and was a part-time computer instructor at Neosho County Community College. He was a member of the Ottawa Lodge 803, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Aerie Lodge 2700, Fraternal Order of Eagles of Ottawa; Local-State-National Education Association; and former member and director of the Ottawa Jaycees. Leroy enjoyed playing softball, camping, and traveling. He was known for his sense of humor; he always appreciated a good joke. Above all, he loved the time spent with his family and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and son Tommy Servatius. Survivors include his wife Arlyce Bailey of the home; four children, Lisa Bailey of Chicago, Illinois, Marsha Bailey Jones (Tom) of Overland Park, Kansas, Jerry Servatius (Marcia) of Ottawa, and Sheryl Servatius Brown (Richard) also of Ottawa; three siblings, Marinda Pyle (Bernard) of Topeka, Kansas, Donna McCune (Gary) of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Phyllis Sanders (Francis) of Junction City, Kansas; ten grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. The family suggests memorial contributions to Neosho County Community College Foundation with Leroy Bailey in the memo c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.