Kenneth D. Bailey, Sr.

Kenneth D. Bailey, Sr., of Moline, Illinois, had his journey come to an end on Sunday, February 23, 2025 at the age of 82. 

Ken will be laid to rest at the Rock Island Arsenal National Cemetery with his fellow veteran brothers during a private family ceremony with military honors performed by the Vietnam Veterans of the Quad Cities. Memorials may be made to QC Paws (Pets are worth saving), Moline, Illinois (In memory of his rescued fur baby kittens, Ezzy & Scooter).

Born May 2, 1942 in Rock Island, IL to Virgil and Anna (Miles) Bailey, Ken grew up in Perry, Iowa, where he found his passion for bowling at the young age of 14 as a pin setter. He would later become recognized at a semi professional bowling level. His next adventure would find him tour managing his buddies in the band, The Trashmen, famous for the song Surfin’ Bird. 

In 1964, he was drafted by the U.S. Army and deployed to Vietnam. He was awarded the Expert (Rifle M-16) Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1966.

After his service in Vietnam he rediscovered his passion for music and the entertainment industry. First, working in a record store, then as a cameraman and director at local TV station WQAD. That set him up for an amazing opportunity in Nebraska at KHGI-TV as the Production Manager. His success at KHGI provided another incredible opportunity as Operations Director in Santa Rosa, CA at KFTY-TV, an ABC affiliate tv station. 

Like many in pursuit of the American Dream, Ken eventually left California to return home and find his path as an entrepreneur. Returning to the Quad Cities he opened his first tavern (Cheers) with his younger brother Jimi. 

With the success of “Cheers” he decided to go out on his own and established the first Quad City music themed pub, Rascals Music Pub. This dreamer and his son had the vision to preserve the importance of music by displaying memories on the walls for others to enjoy. A father and son who bonded over a love for music created a welcoming venue where local and national artists have been given the opportunity to perform music they love and are passionate about. Thirty-Eight years later numerous original pieces of music memorabilia are still on display. 

In 2000, Ken retired to the Colorado mountains where he enjoyed fly fishing, reading and watching his beloved New York Yankees and Iowa Hawkeyes.

He is survived by his son, Kenny (Julie) Bailey; his former spouse, Char Bailey; sisters, Trisha (Bob) Bevans, Connie (Ron) Garcia, and Christine Martinez; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Roger, Jim and Gary Bailey; and his sisters, Sharon Crowder and Helen Pearson.

“Just find a place to make your stand & take it easy.” 

The family invites friends to share stories and condolences at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.