Arthur Bailey

Arthur E Bailey, 90, of Copley, peacefully departed his earthly body surrounded by his family on Wednesday, November 20th.

Art was a humble man but had so many accomplishments. He was good with his hands and could build and fix just about anything. He was a great athlete and excelled in football, track, and softball, culminating in inductions into the Copley High School Athletic Hall of Fame, University of Akron Athletic Hall of Fame, Silver League Softball Hall of Fame, and the Summit County Athletic Hall of Fame. He loved to do anything outdoors and could often be found in the woods chopping wood, mowing paths, or simply enjoying nature. He and his wife Joan hiked the Summit Metro Parks Fall Hiking Spree for many years, and he loved to ski, golf, and play tennis with his daughter Michele.

Art was born October 15, 1934 in Kenmore, Ohio. Art was a graduate of Copley High School (Class of 1952), and received his bachelor's degree from the University of Akron and his master's degree from Kent State. He was a proud US Army veteran who served in the 82nd Airborne from 1954-1956.

For over 30 years, he taught biology, health and ecology at Ellet High School. He would greet each new class with a promise of "an enlightening experience." After his retirement in 1987, he volunteered at Akron Children's Hospital and was an active Silver League softball player into his 80's. He was a deacon at Mt Zwingli UCC church and demonstrated God's love by being kind and helpful to anyone he met.

By far, his greatest accomplishment was being a devoted husband of over 67 years to Joan, and the best father ever to his daughter Michele.

Besides his wife and daughter, Art leaves behind son-in-law Scott, sisters-in-law Dee Bailey, Alice Bailey, and Marianne Droblyen, and many loved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Ken and Clela, brothers Dave and Ken, and brother-in-law Tom.

Visitation for Art will be held on Sunday, November 24th at Hummel Funeral Home, 3475 Copley Rd, Copley from 2-4pm. A second visitation will take place at 10am on November 25th, at Mt Zwingli UCC, 2172 S. Medina Line Rd, Wadsworth with a service to follow at 11:00am. A luncheon will be held at the church at noon.

The family would like to thank the staff of Vitalia of Montrose, Suncrest Hospice, and Cornerstone Caregiving for their compassionate care of Art. It meant so much.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that if you wish, please make a donation in Art's memory to Mt. Zwingli United Church of Christ in Wadsworth, or The Alzheimer's Association.