Chad Bailey Obituary, Chad Bailey Has Passed Away

Chad Bailey Obituary, Death – Chad Bailey has passed away unexpectedly. Chad Bailey, the second of four children born to Kenneth and Keron (Crawford) Bailey, was born on October 11 in Kearney, Nebraska. He graduated from Benedict High School in 1984 with the class of 1984. He then attended Kearney State College and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Education with endorsements in History, Social Sciences, Physical Education, and Coaching. He worked as an assistant coach for the Loper Football team while attending Kearney State College. He met the love of his life, Janet Michele Damgaard, during his junior year of college.

Chad and Janet were married in a candlelight ceremony at Minden’s First Christian Church on August 6, 1988. This union produced Jacob Edward, Jenica Jenae, and Jillian XiuFan. Chad and his family moved to Holdrege, where he taught Government, American History, and Sociology until May 2021, when he plans to retire. Over the years, he found great joy and pride in teaching his many students. Chad saw potential in each of his students and encouraged them to be the best versions of themselves. He taught them to learn from their mistakes rather than dwell on them. Chad had a profound impact on the lives of his students during his 31 years of teaching and coaching at Holbrook Public School, Arapahoe Public School, Bertrand Public School, and Holdrege Public School, where he spent 25 of those years.

Chad’s interest in US history and the Constitution led to a long-term involvement with the “We the People” Civics program, which he taught to senior students at Holdrege Public Schools at the local, state, and national levels. He was also heavily involved in the planning and implementation of the Nebraska State Capitol Forum Program, which was held with a select group of high school seniors each year. Chad graciously accepted the Outstanding Teacher Award from the Nebraska State Council for Social Studies in 2018, surrounded by his family and peers. Chad’s passion for sports and his desire to mentor children led him to become a coach at various levels. He coached football, track and field, basketball, and, most recently, soccer, where he was “Director of Operations.” He treasured his friendships with other coaches at our school, district, and state level. Coach Bailey created a positive environment in which young men and women could be a part of something that, over time, brought out the best in each person. In 2014, he served as an assistant coach in the Shrine Bowl, which was one of his career highlights.

Chad was a big fan of nature and the farming communities where he lived. His fascination with agriculture began in high school, when he was looking for summer work at Northrup King. After meeting Janet, he began assisting her father on the family farm, where he witnessed many memorable events. Later in life, he worked for a local detasseling company and enjoyed chatting with people he met on his bus route. He enjoyed assisting local farmers with their farming or cattle operations on occasion. Chad has also worked as a crop adjuster for RCIS for several years during the summers and fall. He made many lifelong friends and enjoyed talking with his farmers.

Chad enjoyed going camping, boating, fishing, golfing, going to concerts, traveling, and playing board games with his family as long as he was on the winning team! Chad didn’t mind what they were doing as long as they did it together. His annual trip to Estes Park with Janet, which always coincided with their anniversary, was something he looked forward to. Chad cared deeply about his family. Chad adored Jesus above all else, as evidenced by his treatment of others. Chad had a personal encounter with Jesus and prayed every day for his family as well as his school’s second family. Chad’s contagious personality was fueled by relationships. And his primary concern was his relationship with Jesus.

Chad’s father, Kenneth Bailey, died in 2014. His wife of 33 years, Janet Bailey of Holdrege, has left to cherish his memory; his children, Jacob Bailey of Omaha, Nebraska, Jenica Johnston and her husband, Tyler of Omaha, and Jillian Bailey of Holdrege; his mother, Keron Bailey of Hastings, Nebraska; two brothers, Kent Bailey and his wife, Yvonne of York, Nebraska, and Noel Bailey and his wife, Patty of Lincoln, Nebraska; and sister, Dani Fusco and her husband, Steve of Lincoln

Chad Bailey Obituary, Death – Chad Bailey has passed away unexpectedly. Chad Bailey, the second of four children born to Kenneth and Keron (Crawford) Bailey, was born on October 11 in Kearney, Nebraska. He graduated from Benedict High School in 1984 with the class of 1984. He then attended Kearney State College and graduated with a…