William Donald Bailey, Jr., the son of William Donald, Sr. and Mary Margaret (Tallant) Bailey, was born April 20, 1945, in Seattle, Washington. He attended Rock Port High School in Rock Port, Missouri, and Missouri Valley High School in Missouri Valley, Iowa. Don farmed in Missouri Valley for a local farmer until entering the United States Marine Corps. He served his country during the Vietnam War for two tours.
On December 12, 1992, Don was united in marriage to Ernestine (Caldwell) Heritage in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. They made their home in Pine Bluff their entire married life. Ernestine passed away August 31, 2016.
Don drove a truck for numerous companies including FedEx, Tyson and RB Potashnick Construction Company. He helped build manufacturing plants and highways, including Interstate 29. Don retired in 2007 and moved to Rock Port in November 2016. He was currently employed at Rock Port Do It Best Hardware.
Don was a 49-year member of the Ralph Greer American Legion Post #49, Rock Port, and American Legion Post # 30, Sheridan, Arkansas. Don passed away Sunday, May 7, 2023, at Pleasant View Nursing Home, Rock Port, at the age of 78.
In addition to his parents and wife, Ernestine, Don was preceded in death by sister, MaryAnn Avrett; and three stepchildren. Survivors include stepchildren, Larry Heritage, Royce Heritage, both of Pine Bluff, and Gwen Wilson and husband, Johnny, Sheridan; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; six siblings, Betty Cook, Sue Jochim, Donna Maddox, Edith Peters, Charlie Bailey, and Eddie Bailey; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A flag presentation ceremony will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 11, 2023, at Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port. Open visitation begins at 9:00 a.m., Thursday, May 11, at Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port. Private family inurnment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Ralph Greer American Legion Post #49, Rock Port. Services are under the direction of Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port. Online condolences may be left at www.minterfuneralchapels.com.
