It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Joe Stephen Bailey, who departed this world peacefully on Sunday, March 15th, 2026. He was born on July 10th, 1948 in Zanesville, Ohio, and spent most of his childhood on the family farm in Thornville.

Whether you knew him as Joe, Steve, Stevie, Doc, Beetle, Dad, or Granddad, Joe was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Linda Marie (Bucher) Bailey, whom he married on April 21, 1978. Together, they nurtured a beautiful family, including their children, Heather (Audelle) Cummings, Matthew (Megan) Bailey, and Bradley "Scott" (Kelly) Bailey, along with many cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Joe's circle of love extended to his nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous friends who will miss his presence dearly.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joe W. and Ora Bliss Bailey, his son, Christopher Bailey, his sister, Viora "Sue" Carlin, and his brother-in-law, Robert Buckley Carlin.

A proud graduate of The Ohio State University, Joe earned a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 1973. He spent 44 remarkable years serving Newark and surrounding areas as the owner and operator of Bailey Veterinary Clinic. Known for his dedication and passion, Joe was a trusted and loved veterinarian for countless farm animals and family pets, retiring in 2017 to the family farm.

His steadfast commitment to the veterinary field was reflected in his lifelong memberships in numerous professional organizations, including the American Veterinary Medical Association, where he was a lifetime member; the American and Ohio Angus Associations; the American Association of Bovine Practitioners; and the American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners; and American Dairy Goat Association.

Joe will be remembered for his intelligence, wit, and calming presence. He always had a story to tell or advice to offer. As a lifetime learner and ever the planner, he loved books, maps, competitive games with his grandchildren, chatting with friends, zoos, history, and model trains. He courageously battled cancer for nearly two decades, facing each day with determination and humor.

A Celebration of Joe's Life will take place at the First Baptist Church of Newark, 1000 Granville Road, Newark, OH, on Thursday, March 19th, 2026. Visitation will begin at 4:00 pm and continue until 7:00 pm, immediately followed by the service at 7:00 pm, officiated by Pastor Jim Addy. A private burial will be held at Fairmount Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Joe's memory to his friend and doctor, Dr. Craig Hofmeister, to support myeloma research. Contributions can be made by visiting his fundraising page online at [raise funds for Myeloma](https://fundraise.myeloma.org/fundraiser/6985147). Dr. Hofmeister and his research were pivotal in Joe’s cancer journey.

Joe's legacy of kindness, resilience, and dedication will forever echo in the lives of those who had the privilege to know him. He will be profoundly missed and never forgotten.