Don was born in Adrian, Mi in 1923, to Elwyn H. and Vera J. (Schafer) Bailey’s. Don was born to entertain others, and at the young age of 7, Don started singing at numerous Adrian functions including the Lenawee County Fair, Croswell Opera House and private parties.
After graduating from Ypsilanti High School, Don attended the University of Michigan. He served his country in the United States Army during World War II. Don played in the Army Air Force (AAF) band where he was a singer, played the French horn and was a drum major in the marching band. He was a Big Band singer in the 1940’s, performing with Bob Strong, Jimmy Dorsey and Horace Heidt. He hosted his own radio show on both WPAG and WAAM for 16 years and had his own television show on channel 20 for two years.
It was in 1943, that Don married his sweetheart, Mary Louise “Mary Lou” Wood, in Ypsilanti, MI. Together they entertained the community of Ann Arbor with their songs and duets for 17 years; performing at the VFW, Ann Arbor Town Club and Lofy’s. They owned and managed the Hi Fi TV Center and the Apartment Supper Club, which was a gathering spot for local musicians. From 1970 to 1978, Don was president of Tammermatic Corp., an import company in Ann Arbor. He finished his career as the manager of the Cadillac Country Club in Cadillac, MI, and then headed south to Hudson, FL where he retired.
He was a member of the Cherry Hill Methodist Church in Cherry Hill, MI when he was younger and in more recent years, Don attended Faith United Methodist Church in Hudson, FL.
Don is survived by his son, Donald Bailey, Jr. (Karen); grandsons, Chad and Austin; nephew John (Marilyn) Wood and Kathryn Wood and long-time companion, Betty Kraemer. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Mary Lou and siblings Elwyn Bailey II and Alice Bailey.
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at Oakwood Cemetery in Adrian with military funeral honors.
Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to the American Cancer Society.
Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.wagleyfuneralhome.com.
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