Robert Rayfield Bailey

It is with great sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of Robert R. Bailey, of Colorado Springs, CO, on February 17, 2025. He was born on November 22, 1950, in La Junta, CO, to Charles R. Bailey and Marjorie Helen Bailey. 

Robert, lovingly known as “Papi” by his immediate family and “Bob” by his friends and colleagues, was a devoted father, husband, and brother. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Hitomi, and son Jonathan, but leaves behind his loving wife, Veronica, his sister, Sue Fraser, and brother, Charles Bailey. He is also survived by his three children, Cindy, Melissa, and stepson Yves; four grandchildren, Derek and Amyya (Melissa), Bree and Kate (Jonathan); and two great-grandchildren, Keanu and Kainoa (Bree).

Robert’s journey was one of passion, dedication, and a deep love for learning. From a young age, he was an avid reader and had a particular love for history and science fiction. He graduated from high school in El Paso, TX, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of the State of New York, demonstrating his commitment to education by earning the required credits through the successful completion of GRE exams.

Robert’s life was defined by service and leadership. He dedicated 25 years of his life to the United States Army, where he served with distinction and retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CW3). It was during this time that he met his first wife, Hitomi, and they shared 30 years of marriage together. Following his military career, Robert worked for another 25 years as a branch manager for Honeywell, where he led a team of technical engineers and made lasting professional connections.

In addition to his military and professional achievements, Robert was an entrepreneur with a keen interest in collectibles. He managed and operated small businesses that sold comics, trading cards, seashells from his ten-year scuba diving adventures in Okinawa, and autographed first edition books—passions that brought him much joy. 

Robert’s legacy is one of love, hard work, and unwavering dedication to those he held dear. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, and his memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and colleagues. 

A celebration of Robert’s life will be held at Fort Logan, National Cemetery on March 5, 2025 at 11am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you read a good book in his honor.