1988
2013
Shane Matthew Bailey, 25, of Fort Smith, passed away on June 15, 2013 of natural causes in Fort Smith. He was born February 23, 1988 in Fort Smith to Don and Terri Christensen Bailey. He was a staff musician for Goddard United Methodist Church. Shane was a man of unbelievable talent and great humility. His greatest legacy was loving and investing into others. He lived a short life, but he made a huge mark on this world. "Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6. He is survived by his parents, Don and Terri Bailey of Fort Smith; two sisters, Brooke and husband Paul Cowart of Rogers, AR and Alexis and husband Chuck Childers of Fallbrook, CA; maternal grandfather, Jack Christensen of Wahoo, Nebraska; two nephews, Elijah Cowart and Adler Childers and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Funeral service will be Saturday, June 22, 2013 at 10:00 AM in Harvest Time Tabernacle with burial to follow in the Oak Cemetery all under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Simon Lyons, Josef Hedinger, Jordan Travis, James Jones, Adam Snow, Josh Tennant, and Isaac Hedinger. The family will greet friends at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel on Friday evening from 5-7 PM. In lieu of flowers Memorials may be made to the Shane Bailey Creative Music Memorial Fund c/o First National Bank 602 Garrison Avenue Fort Smith, AR 72901. To sign an online guestbook visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
November 24, 2013
Jefferson Harman LaSala
Dear Don and Family, I only just learned of Shane's passing. I am so sorry for your loss. May your happy memories always be there to comfort you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
July 9, 2013
Dear ones, Don, do you remember the Swigart Family in Norwalk? Well, we send our love and care to you and family and will be praying for you in the coming days. You were such good friends with our daughter Kathi and her classmates of the 80's! We are in Mt Pleasant, retired and pastoring a small Baptist Church here. Kathi and her hubby Steve and 3 sons are in Vacaville, CA...............she knows about loss as she lost a young daughter 17 years ago. Heaven will be a wonderful place to get re-aquainted won't it! Our love to you and yours, The Swigarts
June 26, 2013
Dearest Teri and Don,
We continue to intercede for you and your family as His Holy Spirit guides and directs us. May you find unending comfort in our Abba Father's arms of love! Please take time for yourselves in quiet meditation and prayer. You have always given so much of yourselves to all of us, and as a family, you fill the gaps and needs of this community and beyond. Our desire is to serve your needs. We know your Faith in Jesus sustains you. God grant you His peace, love, mercy, and grace.
Wayne and Gayle V. Fayetteville, Ar.
June 25, 2013
Sotonya Gordey
Dear Bailey Family,
I am so saddened by the loss of Shane. I have such happy and joyous memories of Shane as a little boy. Carrying his Sword through the foyer of church and chasing his sister. He was so sweet and energetic and so funny in Sunday school! Please know I am praying for you. Your family is dear to my heart.
Love always, Sotonya
June 25, 2013
Cilla (Karl) Green
Dear Don, Terri and Family,
My heart breaks for your loss! Although, I mainly knew him as a small child, he grew up to be a bright, talented young man with a love for God. Nothing anyone says can take away the hurt you are feeling right now, but please know that your family is in the prayers of many. Your family is loved by many as well. Hugs to you all! With great sympathy and sadness,
June 22, 2013
Claudia Hall Smith
Dear Terri, Don and family, Nothing we can say will touch the heartache you & your family are dealing with. Looking at the photos of Shane it's obvious he was a happy and blessed son. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
June 22, 2013
Jessica Scott
Dear Family,
I was one of many to be spiritually uplifted through Shane's influence. I only met him once, and corresponded with him for maybe a year, but he's left an impact on my life. We always spoke of how good our God is, and how much He has in store for us. Your son, brother, cousin, etc truly was living in God's light...in his brief time on earth, he set forth to do His work...and I feel he was completely successful in that endeavor. Blessings to you all. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful soul with the rest of us.
June 22, 2013
Linda Mills Boyd
Dear Terri and Don: Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your precious Shane. I begin to cry just thinking of the pain that I know you are feeling. And I pray for love and strength for you and your family during this difficult time.
June 22, 2013
Vicki Farrell
Dear Family, I remember Shane as a wonderful infant and boy. The Bailey's and extended family are loving and kind people. Shane's light is the "candle of the Lord". He truly will be missed in this life by so many.
June 21, 2013
DeAnna Vitale
To some of the best people in the universe. My heart breaks for your loss. Some of my favorite afternoons were spent with your family. Love you all very much. Shane you are so loved and so missed. Your voice will continue to be heard across the internet as your songs and music continue to be posted and someone clicks the arrow to listen.
June 21, 2013
Jo Anna (Stogdill) Sheets
To the Bailey family,
Words seem inadequate to express the sadness I feel about the loss of Shane. I am deeply sorry. May God's grace give you strength and comfort during this difficult time. I am thinking of you and praying for you.
June 21, 2013
Dearest Family and Friends--I didn't know Shane as a close friend, but more as an acquaintance. However, the few conversations i had with Shane were long, deep, meaningful conversations about life, love, integrity, and other bigger perspectives. He had a broad, discerning mind...A unique grasp of the human condition....The nature of his heart shined through these things, and more to reach all that he touched, even those of us who knew him less. I am deeply effected and am very sorry for the loss of your Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew, Cousin, Friend, etc.--I wish you Peace-- E. A. L
June 21, 2013
Dean Boyles
Terri and Don
I am so sorry to hear this. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I can't even begin to imagine what you must be going through.
Take comfort in knowing so many are praying for you and with you in spirit.
Dean Boyles
Omaha, NE
June 21, 2013
Dear Don and Terri, our hearts are broken for you and we will always have special memories of your family. I will always have special memories of Shane in my class in (k4)and hold those memories dear. I'm so proud to have been a part of Shane and Brook's early years in school. We are praying for you and what you are going through at this time. May God be your strength at this time. We love you, Patty and Walter Plummer
June 21, 2013
To Terri and Don,Praying God will show you His love through caring friends, comforting memories, and moments of peace...Praying He will give you whatever your heat needs most right now. Your classmate, Susan Frahm Larson
June 21, 2013
Michelle (Ludi) Yonkers
Bailey Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May God bless and comfort you during this difficult time.
June 21, 2013
To Terri and Don, I am heartbroken over the loss of your son. What a tragedy that he was taken from you so suddenly and at such a young age. You have my deepest sympathy during this incredibly sad time for you and your family. My thoughts and prayers go out to each of you. May God give you comfort. Sheryl Lindau (Omaha, NE)
June 21, 2013
Dear Don and Terri ~
What a beautiful person! I am so saddened by your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Christine Lundgren (Thornton, CO)
June 20, 2013
charles prescott
I have known and work with you two for a long time and seen your family grow thru the years. I have met Shane many many time over the years , always a polite young man.Let Gods love and strength and family and friends be with the Bailey family during this difficult time.Jesus has his now. Enjoy the memories of you son as you go forward. with sincerity.
June 20, 2013
Ken & Rhonda Johnson
My sweet friends, Don and Terri. Ken and I are so heartbroken for your family. We remember Shane as the white haired toddler chasing his sister around. We got to hear him play the drums once, in your house, when he was a toddler. He was amazing even then. I am so sorry we didn't get to know him as he grew up, but we have always kept up with you all from long distance. We love you as much as we did in yesteryear, and wish we could be there for you. Ken and Rhonda Johnson and family, San Antonio TX
June 20, 2013
Libby and Dave Mineart
To Shane's Family,
Although we never met Shane,
we know he must have had a special talent and great personality from our time on the same teaching staff at Norwalk with his dad, Don Bailey! Our sincere sympathy and prayers for the family.
June 20, 2013
Becky Yates
A brilliant star has burned out too quickly, but will always be remembered!
June 20, 2013
Jo Carson
Dear Don and Terri,
We are so sorry for your loss.
Peace Be With You All.
Sincerely,
Jo, Doug, and Quinn Carson
June 20, 2013
Randy Ragsdale
Dear Don and Terri, Words are hard to find at times like this but my thoughts and prayers are with you.
June 19, 2013
Dee Fowler-Smith
Dear Don and Terri,
It has been such a long time since we have seen each other but I have never forgotten the special times we shared together. I just wanted to say that my heart goes out to the two of you and your fmaily. My prayers are for you and I pray that the Peace of God be with you and abide in you now and forever. Your beautiful son is The SON and I know you take great comfort in that assurance. I hope to see you both the next time I am in Arkanssas. Love, Peace and JOy be Yours Forever
June 19, 2013
Bruce Fowler
Don and Terri, I have known and played music with you both periodically for many years to this present date and owe a great portion of my success as a musician here in Fort Smith and the surrounding area to you. I met Shane once but never got to know him. Although his reputation as a musician speaks for itself, after viewing the family photos I know that I have missed the opportunity to know Shane not only as a great musician but also as a very special individual. Shane has walked from this life through the doorway known as death and lives now in the perfect life, free from all of the pains and sorrows of this earthly existence, and I look forward to having the opportunity to know him.
To the Bailey family with all heartfelt sincerity.
June 19, 2013
Bruce Fowler
I've know Don and Terri and have played with them periodically for many years to this present date and owe a great portion of my success as a musician here in Fort Smith and the surrounding area to them. I met Shane once but never got to know him. Although his reputation as a musician speaks for itself, after viewing the family photos I know that I have missed the opportunity to know Shane not only as a great musician but also as a very special individual. Shane has walked from this life through the doorway known as death and lives now in the perfect life, free from all of the pains and sorrows of this earthly existence, and I look forward to having the opportunity to know him.
To the Bailey family with all heartfelt sincerity.
June 19, 2013
Hugh Coulbourn
May God grant you comfort during this time and the Great reunion there will be in heaven.
June 19, 2013
Les/Janet Maudlin
Dear Don and Terri,
We are so sad to hear about your wonderful son, Shane, we are never prepared to lose our children before we go to be with God. Sounds like he was so remarkable, and why are we not surprised he was a great musician. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Les and Janet Maudlin
June 18, 2013
Hannah "Vories" Stone
For the wisdom and understanding behind your secret grin, I will always remember the calm and peace you helped me feel and your ability to enhance the silence with nothing more than your presence..... I'll miss you most when things get tough or when it gets quiet, and I no longer have you to tell me I'm just fine. I'll miss the truth in your words and the care in all you do.
June 18, 2013
Hannah "Vories" Stone
I am so blessed to have known Shane as well and for as long as I have. He always felt that there was a bigger plan for us than we could even fathom. He always trusted and followed his instincts and believed that nothing happened by accident, and that even the most brief or inconsequential event could be of purpose in our life. He constantly pushed onward and kept moving towards reaching his full potential. He impacted so many lives and I will never forget how special he made the world feel and how he could portray such control and calm, even amongst his own storms. He will be dearly missed. Thoughts and prayers go out to you, Bailey family. I'm so very sorry for your devastating and tragic loss.
June 18, 2013
Sunni Rector
Shane was a talented young man. I loved watching him play the drums. I know in my heart that his songs are going to be published.Then the whole world will be able to listen to his music. Shane you will be missed, but every time I hear the drums, ill remember you. Praying for Don, Terri, Brooke and Alexis during this time.
June 18, 2013
Susie Cross
I am so sorry, Alexis. I hope my Jasper is showing Shane around in Heaven.
June 18, 2013
David Maestri
Shane I'm going to miss you, you were a great friend and a great neighbor though we didn't speak much since school it breaks my heart that you are gone, your in a better place now ....... play those drums loud up there .
June 18, 2013
Rae Moore
I remember Shane from high school and will never forget how talented, yet how humble, he was. Praying for peace that surpasses all understanding for you all.
June 18, 2013
TERESA ROBINSON
WHAT A PRECIOUS SOUL. YOU WILL BE FOREVER ETCHED IN OUR HEARTS SHANE.
June 18, 2013
David Mattas
Shane was such an inspiration to all those who came in contact with him. His bashful smile was the best. His drumming skills were something of another world/dimension. The guy could play 4 different styles of music at the same time without batting an eye. I had the pleasure of playing with him at Goddard UMC and got to know him. Heaven just couldn't do without him another day is my only explanation. We will see you again soon buddy!
Don, Terri, Brooke, Alexis and all the Bailey family are in my prayers. The world has lost one of the very best and brightest. He will be missed for many years!
June 18, 2013
Laney Builteman
I know Shane was a wonderful person and has left a beautiful impact on the lives of those who knew him. My deepest sympathies to the Bailey family and everyone who knew and loved Shane.
June 18, 2013
Sonya Costa
In my two semesters at UAFS I only got a glimpse of the great people the Bailys are. I was able to see how talented the whole family is, especially Shane. Thoughts and prayers are with all the family and friends.
June 18, 2013
Mark McCaleb
I remember Shane as a little kid while i was playing with the Westark Jazz Band. He would always break loose during rehearsals to tap on my hi hats, often during the softest part of a tune to which i would receive a disapproving glance from his dad Don. I could tell then that Shane was going to be a tremendous talent on drums. Thank you Shane for making the world a better place.
June 18, 2013
Erin Albertson
I didnt know Shane, but knew Don form college. I am very sorry and praying for you all.
June 18, 2013
carrie whitsett
On earth, Shane was mighty with his music gifts that he blessed us with.
In heaven, Shane's music gifts are still with him, and he is with the majestic choir now.
Lord, bless and comfort this wonderful, gifted family you are blessing us with on earth.
"Praise the Lord...praise him with the clash of the cymbals, praise him with reounding cymbals"...Psalm 150
Carrie (Reddoch) Whitsett-Fort Smith, Ar.
June 17, 2013
Denise Messamore
Shane was a unique individual, as God made him... not only through his gift but for finding out for hisself who God is... I remember him in diapers in the choir room and hugging on him... and when he put together drum solos for the Westark Jazz show and later masterpieces for UAFS that would wow audiences... and as he grew into a man being sensitive to things around him... quiet but always aware...always being available for gigs and even allowing me to use his drums... asking him to do a recording project and his enthusiasm of wanting to do it NOW... His life will be cherished and never forgotten... He touched so many lives... as this family has... the outpouring for Shane is a touch stone for what this family has done for this community... Much love and prayers
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