07/17/2026
Johnny Abner "Bo" Bailey, 86, of Crowder, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, July 10, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, July 16, 2026, at Bishop Funeral Service and Crematory in McAlester.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 17, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Crowder, officiated by Pastor Mark Simons and Pastor Mickey Matlock. Burial will follow at Crowder Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Johnny Bailey, Jacob Mills, Tom Bell, David Moore, John Hardy, and Rick Griffin.
Bo was born on July 16, 1939, in Healdton, Oklahoma, to Earl Raymond and Dora Mae (Russell) Bailey. He graduated from Graham High School in 1958, where he excelled on the basketball court and was a proud member of the Graham High School team that finished as the 1958 Oklahoma State Runner-Up.
On October 31, 1958, Bo married Bobbie Jewell Denney, in Ardmore, Oklahoma. Together they built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, and hard work, sharing nearly 68 years of marriage.
Bo began his career working in the Oklahoma Oil Fields. He then began driving a gas truck for Bell Oil and Refinery Company. Later operated two of his own service station in Ardmore. He moved his family to Burkburnett, Texas in 1976, when he became district manager for Vickers Oil & Gas. He worked for them until Vickers closed their doors. He then established Bailey’s Pump Service in 1982 in Burkburnett and relocated the business to Wichita Falls, Texas where he worked until he retired in 2012.
In 2013, Bo and Bobbie made their home in Crowder on the shores of Lake Eufaula. His faith was the foundation of his life. He faithfully served for 60 years as a Deacon at Southwest Baptist Church in Ardmore, Oklahoma, South Georgia Baptist Church in Amarillo Texas and at Jan Lee Baptist Church in Burkburnett, Texas and later became a member of First Baptist Church of Crowder and later became a Deacon there as well.
A lifelong lover of basketball, Bo also spent many years officiating high school and college basketball games throughout Texas. Even after his days as a referee, he found great joy in cheering from the stands as he watched his children and grandchildren play, rarely missing an opportunity to attend their games.
Bo loved the simple pleasures in life. He enjoyed fishing, spending time with his family, he loved listening to music, and above all, studying God's Word. Every morning began the same way—with his Bible open on the kitchen table. Many days it remained open long after he had finished reading, a quiet reminder of the faith that guided every aspect of his life.
Those who knew Bo will remember his steady character, strong work ethic, unwavering faith, and the love he had for his family. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and, in the example, he set through a lifetime of service, integrity, and devotion to God.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Dora Bailey; his grandson, Jered Mills; his great-grandson, Dylan Martin; his brother, Raymond Bailey; and his sisters, Bonnie Jo Ficklin and Patsy Ruth Freeman Anderson.
Bo is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Bobbie Bailey of the home; his sons, Bob Bailey and Peggy, and John Bailey and wife Carla; his daughters, Debbie Chumley and husband Monty, and Susie Mills and husband Troy; his grandchildren, Jeanie Witt and husband Billy, Johnny Bailey and wife Meagan, Sandy King and husband Will, Kasi Bailey, Hali Bailey and Fiancé Jake, Heather Smith, Whitney Walker, Brittany Mangram and husband Ben, Kayla McClure and husband Roger, Morgan Chumley and fiancé Rob, and Jacob Mills and wife Victoria; 19 great-grandchildren; his brother, Jerry Bailey; his sister, Willie Womack; his sister-in-law, Wanda Bailey; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many cherished friends.
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
