Calvin E. Bailey, 66, of Hutchinson passed away on September 9, 2013, at Hospice House of Reno County from complications related to cancer. He was born July 5th, 1947, to Clyde E. and Audrey E. (née Miller) Bailey in Hutchinson, KS.

Calvin graduated from Nickerson High School (the first in his family) in 1965. Around this time he became a bit of a local legend for his parties at "Bailey's Beach." He was drafted into the Army in 1966 and was shipped off to Germany. Upon returning stateside, he found work as an ambulance and wrecker driver at McVay's at Ave A and Walnut in Hutchinson.

In 1974, he married Sharan D. Frye in Nickerson, KS. They spent the next 39 years driving each other nuts and loving each other greatly.

Calvin spent most of his working years as a proud union carpenter and millwright (Local 1587 of Hutchinson and later Local 201 of Wichita). He spent much of his spare time as a junker of scrap metal and buyer/seller of antiques and collectibles.

Calvin never met a stranger he couldn't have a conversation with. (It took until his daughter was grown for her to realize her father did not, in fact, know everyone he came into contact with at the auctions, flea markets, and garage sales he took her to as a child). He also had an incredible ability to speak with authority on just about any subject, whether he actually knew anything about that subject or not.

Calvin will be missed most for his wit, dry sense of humor, orneriness, and general surliness -traits which, to the chagrin of his daughter's partner, he successfully passed on to the next generation.

Calvin was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Myrtle, brother, Clyde "Ed," half-brother, Edward and half-sister, Alta.

He is survived by his wife, Sharan, daughter, Sarah and partner Daniela of Portland, OR, sister, Elaine and husband Bob Buckman of Macksville, KS, brother, Cecil and wife Beverly of Claflin, KS, a whole lot of nieces and nephews, a boat-load of grand- and great-grandnieces and nephews, and his cats Toots, Rowdy, and Missy.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013, at Elliott Chapel, with Chaplain Bob Phipps presiding. Inurnment will follow at Peace Valley Cemetery. Friends may sign the book 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday. Cremation has taken place.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Reno County, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.