Donald Jay Bailey

Donald J. Bailey took his last flight west, peacefully from home Thursday morning November 14 at the age of 88, with loved ones beside him. He is survived by two sisters, Carole Babcock and Lynn Bailey, a son JJ, daughters KeeKee and DeeAnn, grandchildren Stephen and Angela, and great-grandchildren Dominic, Angelina, Patrick and Christian. Don was born in Akron, Ohio July 29, 1931, then soonafter moved to Peru, Indiana at the age of 6. As a young man, Don embarked on an epic, energetic, life-long journey of goals and accomplishments. At 19 he got his private pilot license despite being totally deaf in one ear...an accomplishment he often bragged about, being able to "fake" his way through the mandatory hearing test! In 1953 he enlisted into the Air Force where he achieved the rank of Captain, and was dubbed the nickname "Beetle". There, Beetle graduated from USAF Flight School Class of July, 1955 and later earned his Instructor rating in the T-33 fighter. He left the Air Force in 1957, went back to Peru, and in 1958, married Nancy Deisch, the prettiest girl in town and the love of his life. While there, he was active in many social and civic affiliations including Rotary, theater and both he and Nancy were flying trapeze performers in Peru's very own Amateur Circus! In 1961, their focus had shifted to starting a family. By 1965, they had three children, and then he swept Nancy up off her feet like Richard Gere in An Officer and A Gentleman and whisked her out of that small mid-western town to start a life out east. In 1970, he formed BARIC Security Systems, and in 1978 branched out into telecommunication systems. In 1981, PhoneAmerica Corp was formed, from where he eventually retired. In these past several decades is where Don grew, worked, played, traveled, flourished, excelled, raised a family, lived out his dreams, partied like a rock star and left behind a lasting wake of memories, family and friends. At 78, he lost the love of his life as well as a little wind from his sail. At 88, Don said farewell and slipped the surly bonds of Earth. Funeral Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc., Phoenixville, PA. Condolences may be offered online at www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com.

Donald Jay Bailey

July 29, 1931 - November 14, 2019