Daniel Bailey

Words can never fully reflect the light Dan Bailey has given — and continues to give — to his family, friends, and community. From humble beginnings, he grew into a rare man who recognized the troubles of others, cared deeply about them, and found ways to help. Where some saw disrepair, he saw beauty. We will miss his wisdom, his smile, his kindness, and his hot rods. We have no doubt we will see him again, for Dan knew that “Christ … breaketh the bands of death, that the grave shall have no victory.” Alma 22:14 (Book of Mormon).

Daniel Higgins Bailey was born April 6, 1945, in Pomona, California, the second child and only son of Samuel Henry Bailey and Maxine Higgins. Raised from age 11 by a courageous single mom, Danny spent his childhood, teenage years, and young adulthood in Southern California, including Pomona and Mt. Baldy. He knew poverty, loss, and a bit of trouble in his youth, but was often rescued by loving sisters, uncles, aunts, church and Scout leaders, and loyal friends. Those early experiences taught him compassion and a love for people and things who were cast off, forgotten, or left behind.

More interested in cars than college, Dan graduated (“barely,” by his own account) from Ganesha High School in 1963. After a chance meeting while “cruising” the In-N-Out drive-in on Towne Ave in Pomona, Danny dated and married Lorraine Cole in 1965. Both just 19, the success of this Southern California fairytale was not assured, but hard-won by commitment, patience, humor, faith, and work. It has blossomed into nearly 56 years of marriage. In 1993, Dan and Lorraine were sealed for eternity in the Las Vegas Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. 

After getting his start in the California metal building industry, Dan took a detour to fulfill a childhood dream, purchasing an old Mack cab-over and driving truck as an owner-operator. In 1974, he took a job as a draftsman for Reynolds Electric at the Nevada Test Site and moved his and Lorraine’s growing family to Las Vegas. That move led to a 30-year career in the Las Vegas construction industry, rising from project manager to Vice President at SteelWood Construction and Carson Construction, and President at Hardy Construction. Dan did business with, battled, and gained the respect of the great names who built Las Vegas during the greatest boom in its history. 

Dan and Lorraine raised nine children in Las Vegas, becoming the biggest fans of track and cross-country at Western, Cheyenne, and Centennial High Schools. The family was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and integral parts of the 19th Ward (Red Rock Stake), Meadows Ward (Meadows Stake), and Meadows 9th Ward.  Dan served in various church callings, but is most fondly remembered as “Captain Valiant” by his many Primary kids. He traced his pioneer roots to Panaca, Lincoln County, Nevada.  While he maintained his love for California, for Dan, “home” meant Nevada.

In 2009, Dan and Lorraine moved to Moapa Valley, living for many years in Logandale and later moving to Overton. Dan became one of the valley’s most beloved characters. He was known for his sweet purple 1956 Buick “My Special Angel” (which he owned since 1965), Rat Fink-inspired silver 1947 Pontiac (which may have violated a noise ordinance or two), and various other classic cars. Always willing to lend a hand, Dan was a faithful home teacher, High Council member, and ward mission leader until his death. He could often be seen in the company of some number of his 33 adoring grandkids (including spouses) as he went to the hardware store, got a donut and hot chocolate at Lin’s, checked the mail, or got gas and a treat at the Maverik. In 2019, Dan fulfilled a lifelong dream of performing on the stage, playing the role of Buffalo Bill Cody in the Moapa Valley Community Theater’s production of Annie Get Your Gun.

Dan passed away on December 2, 2020, after a long battle with various illnesses, including cancer. Through a series of small miracles and the dedicated service of his medical team, Lorraine, all nine kids, and many of his grandchildren were with him as he passed peacefully. In addition to Lorraine, his kids and grandkids, Dan is survived by his younger sisters Cindi Russell of Las Vegas and Kathy Meals of Franklin, Pennsylvania. He was preceded to heaven by his older sister Judi Cooper, who passed in 2005.

Services will be held on Friday, December 11, 2020 at 10:00 am. and will be live-streamed, with a link found at www.moapavalleymortuary.com/obituary/Daniel-Bailey, with interment following at the Panaca Cemetery. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in their Guest Book at www.moapavalleymortuary.com.   

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Dan’s honor to the Moapa Valley Community Theater (https://mvcommunitytheatre.org/) or other charity of your choice.

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