Richard Lee Bailey

Richard Lee Bailey, 82, formerly of Royal, Iowa, passed away on November 10, 2026, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Richard was born on August 17, 1944, in Spencer, Iowa, to Morris and Elsie (Syndergaard) Bailey. He grew up in the Royal area and graduated from Royal High School in 1962. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving from June 1962 to June 1966.

After returning to Iowa, Richard worked briefly at Arts-Way Manufacturing before returning to the family farm southwest of Royal, originally homesteaded by his grandfather, Eben Bailey. Farming became his life’s work until his retirement in August 2012.

On January 28, 1968, Richard married Kandis Strayer. Together, they raised three sons and built a life centered around family, farming, and their community.

Richard was active in the Royal community, serving in the Royal Lions Club and on the Clay Central School Board. He also enjoyed volunteering at the Clay County Fair, where he drove a cart and visited with fairgoers.

A lifelong learner, Richard loved reading and continued taking classes at Iowa Lakes Community College. He enjoyed walking, working in his shed and around the acreage, and spending time with family and friends. Richard and his family also welcomed two exchange students in their home.

Richard is survived by his three sons, Joel Bailey and his partner, Dean Hirner, of Rancho Mirage, California; Todd Bailey and his wife, Colleen, of Gayville, South Dakota; and Aaron Bailey of Kansas City, Missouri; his grandchildren, Quinn Bailey and Parker Bailey; his brother Alan (Jeanne) Bailey; and Bonny Swart, who remained a special and cherished companion in his life. He is also survived by his nieces, nephew, and other loved ones.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Kandis Bailey; his parents, Morris and Elsie Bailey; his sisters, Phyllis Schott and her husband, Dick, and Muriel Lien and her husband, David; his brother-in-law, Rodney Strayer; and his parents-in-law, Russell and Virginia Strayer.

Richard’s grandson, Parker Bailey, will serve as urn bearer. Honorary pallbearers will be Barb Rassler, Bonnie Schott-Speck, Carol Seaman, Sharon Weishaar, and Mary Jo Skellenger.

Richard left behind two letters expressing his wishes for how he would be remembered. In one, he wrote, “To please me when I’m gone, do not buy memorials. Spend money on the living, not the dead. Whenever in the future you or someone remembers me, that will be my memorial.” In another letter, he shared, “If there would be memorial money, I would prefer books for a library for all to enjoy, the Spencer YMCA, or trees planted.”

In keeping with Richard’s wishes, the family asks that, in lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor his memory consider doing so in one of these ways, or through another act of kindness or generosity they feel would be meaningful.