David H. Bailey

Salt Lake City, Utah - David H. Bailey, 96, passed away peacefully at the Veterans' Home of Ogden, Utah on July 5, 2025.

Born in Albany, New York on May 2, 1929 David relished life, learning, and music. He completed a degree in music education from Potsdam College in 1956. While serving in the Navy (1951-55), a friend gave him a Book of Mormon. Eventually David was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Shortly thereafter he moved to Utah. In 1957 he married Joyce Baxter and there followed seven children: Michael, Thomas, Joanna, Lynn, Laurel, John, and Nancy. In 1974 David married Ruth Bateman. He helped raise her five Bierman children: Scott, Todd, Jeff, Chris, and Troy, and they welcomed three more children together: Richard, Kevin, and Anne.

David worked for more than 35 years as a technical writer. Frequent work trips took him across the country and around the world. When possible, his family traveled with. David loved maps and detailed itineraries. A skilled mechanic, he was always working on cars.

Classical music filled David's heart. He played oboe in the Utah Symphony and spent countless hours playing piano and organ at home and church. In his later years he taught piano to many students.

He is survived by 9 children, 4 stepchildren, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his three siblings, parents, two stepsons, two grandsons, and several unborn children and grandchildren.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 11 am at the Church of Jesus Christ chapel at 2795 East Crestview Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84108. Visitation with the family will be on Friday, Sept. 12 from 5-7 pm and Sat. Sept 13 from 9:00-10:30 am in the same chapel.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Zambia Scholarship Fund. https://zambiascholarshipfund.org/