Donald 'Donnie' Bailey

Donald James Bailey, 66, was born on Aug. 12,1957, in Glasgow, Mont., the first child of James Bailey and Janet (Bergstrom) Bailey. He passed on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.

He grew up on the family farm northeast of Opheim, Mont. He attended school at the Opportunity School in Glasgow, and graduated from Opheim in 1979.

He was a member of the Opheim United Methodist Church and the Opheim Community Church. He could be found lighting the candles and taking the offering every Sunday.

He worked at the Pro Coop in Opheim for 44 years. He cleaned and was in charge of the coffee pot. Donnie enjoyed socializing with the coffee crowd and monitoring their coffee intake. He perfected his "special" hand bump with the guys at the "Pro Co."

Throughout his life you could find Donnie biking around town. One of Donnie's biggest passions was competing in Special Olympics. He was a Special Olympic athlete for 53 years. He competed in bowling, bocce ball, bike racing, speed walking and softball throw.

He enjoyed hunting, bowling, fishing, looking at photo albums, baby animals, playing Farkle "Shake'Em," dancing, birthday parties, cheering on the Opheim Vikings, and finding his name in the newspaper.

Predeceased by his grandparents Roy and Ethel Bergstrom and Frank and Ethel Bailey.

He is survived by his parents Jim and Janet Bailey; brother Dave and Cathy; sister Debbie; brother Doug; niece Stephanie and Tigh Fuhrman; nephews Kieren and JD Bailey; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A Memorial service was held at 10 a.m., on Monday, May 13, at the Opheim Community Church with a luncheon following.