Marvin R. Bailey

Marvin R. Bailey

May 22, 1935 – November 18, 2022

Preceded in death by mother, Margaret Fiala Bailey; father, Troy Chesley Bailey; and sister, Marlene Bailey Jamrog.

Survived by wife, Gloria Cunningham Bailey; children: Randall Ray Bailey, Cynthia Bailey Tibbitts, Renae Bailey Cohn, Lori Bailey Jenkins, Douglas Lee Bailey, and Bradley Scott Bailey. Marvin is also survived by his children’s spouses: Debbie Bailey, Tony Tibbitts, Marc Cohn, Harry Jenkins, Jackie Bailey, and Tammy Bailey; 26 grandchildren; and 57 great-grandchildren.

VISITATION will be Saturday, November 26th at 9:30am, followed by SERVICE at 11am, all at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 11027 Martha St.  Interment at Evergreen Memorial Park.

To view a live broadcast of the Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.

Memorials will be directed by the family.


Marv was born on May 22, 1935, in Omaha, Nebraska to Troy and Margaret Bailey. He grew up in south Omaha in a loving home alongside his parents and sister, Marlene who welcomed him back home this past Friday afternoon, November 18, 2022.

As a young man growing up in south Omaha Marvin learned how to work, dance, fight and take care of himself and those he loved. From a very early age Marv realized that the most important things in this life are the relationships we form and have with our friends and family. This has been a central theme in his life and something that he regularly taught to his children and the generations that followed through his words and actions.

He fell in love early with the beautiful woman who would become his eternal companion, Gloria. They made a handsome couple at after school dances and were married soon after graduating from Omaha South High School. They formed a loving home and welcomed six children into the world: Randy, Cindy, Renae, Lori, Doug and Brad. Marv was a wonderful father and grandfather to 26 grandchildren and 57 great grandchildren.

Marv supported his family working primarily in the meat packing industry in many positions, eventually becoming a manager at Beef Nebraska and federal beef grader. No one could cook a steak like Marv, just ask any steak restaurant in Omaha. He once took a raw $100 dollar steak home so that it could be “properly cooked” after the poor chef’s third unsuccessful attempt. Marv would also become a successful home builder, remodeler, and real estate agent. He never missed an opportunity to describe the benefits of a good “cash discount” to customers and employees alike.

Marv was an avid hunter and fisherman. He could hit roosters at 50 yards on a windy day and usually ended up with the trips biggest fish. Frustrated sons and grandsons came to label this phenomenon as “grandpa luck.” He loved traveling, camping, and working on projects in his garage which always smelled of a combination of the world’s best homemade jerky and polyurethane from recent woodworking projects. Of all these things, what he loved most was spending time with friends and family.

Marv and Gloria joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints early in their marriage and have faithfully served in many callings. He loved to teach the gospel of Christ through the way that he lived his life and regularly took the opportunity to share gospel principles with others. He knew that there was a plan for all of us, created by a loving Heavenly Father and His Son. In whose company he now lives, awaiting a time when he will be reunited with his earthly family once again.

9 Comments

  • Jean Chalupsky Posted November 20, 2022 5:09 pm

    My sincere sympathy for your loss. Marv was a special neighbor and friend to my parents, and myself. He will be missed.

  • Gus Arthur Checketts Posted November 22, 2022 9:40 pm

    Marv was a great man an friend. My children called him grandpa Marv. We are still loving and enjoying the dreamhouse that Marv helped us build. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Gloria and with your wonderful family.

  • Marvin & Karen Ludlow Posted November 23, 2022 7:53 am

    So sorry to learn of Marv’s passing. He was a good and strong man. We know he will be at rest and free from worldly cares in the spirit world. We are praying for his family as they mourn their temporary loss.

  • Dean and Judy Skalla Posted November 24, 2022 1:34 pm

    What a gem he was. We won’t forget him. ❤️

  • Michael Caverhill Posted November 25, 2022 5:20 pm

    So sorry for your loss. Marv was a giant of a man and a great friend and we miss miss him every day. He left a great legacy and his family will carry on that legacy. May God bless each of you at this time and remember the special moments in your life that you were able to share with Marv. I know he was proud and loved each of you so very much. I am sure he has already started on the mansion in heaven while he waits for you to join him according to the plan of salvation. I hope as time moves on you can forget the loss and remember the joy he brought into your lives. Gloria, Marv always told me without you he would have never amounted to much and I always agreed with him. Wish I could have been at the funeral but family circumstances would not allow it. I will continue to pray for the family.

  • Brian N Mahaffey Posted November 26, 2022 4:11 pm

    Marv was one of those people whom books are written about. First met him in 1996. Never forget him. He was legendary. Now he resides in a place prepared for him and his family. Leaves a big hole in our hearts.

  • Mitch and Carla Jevne Posted November 26, 2022 7:42 pm

    The service was beautiful and a fitting tribute to a special man. Sorry we didn’t make it in time for the viewing but wanted you to know you are all in our thoughts. Though the sorrow hits hard it truly was a celebration of a life well lived. Our condolences on one hand and our congratulations on the other for your amazing posterity. Gloria, you are blessed!

  • Patrick Peterson (Ida Peterson) Posted November 28, 2022 2:48 pm

    Dear Bailey family, we were your neighbors next door in early 1970’s and all had very fond memories of Mr Bailey and your whole family. Renae would sit outside arguing about religion and Mr Bailey would come out and scold us and the make laugh over somdthing. My mother Ida said she is praying for him and all your family.

  • Kay Andrus Posted December 15, 2022 11:58 am

    Marv was a perceptive, good man and an especially fine listener. He was also a great father. I’ve become acquainted with several of his children over the years. Like Marv, they are responsible, fair, service-oriented, value-conscious people. I wish all family members sincere condolences and the peace that comes from keeping an eternal perspective.

    Sorry we missed the funeral service. We were out of state and I did not learn of Marv’s passing until yesterday. Kind regards.

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