David Lewis Bailey, 85, of Fort Wayne, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at Coventry Meadows. Born on April 9, 1941, to Delores and Irene Bailey, Dave was the eldest of five children.

Dave graduated from Lafayette Central High School in 1959 before completing his journeyman training as a tool and die maker at General Electric. His ingenuity and dedication to his craft were evident throughout his career, where he earned several patents for motor designs before retiring in 2004. Always industrious, he also spent time as an insurance salesman, though he was happiest when working on the farm he shared with his wife.

On July 28, 1962, Dave married Sharon Lesh, the love of his life. Their extraordinary 63-year marriage was a beautiful testament to partnership, deep affection, and everlasting love. Together, they built a strong family and cultivated a lifetime of treasured memories. As an adoring husband, Dave's greatest mission was ensuring Sharon’s happiness.

As a loving father and grandfather, Dave prioritized his family above all else. He was a constant source of support and encouragement, always in attendance at school and sporting events. Dave’s focus on his family included opportunities to make lifelong memories through travel adventures with his grandchildren.

A warm and familiar face in the community, Dave was a proud member of the Lions Club of Zanesville and an avid Indiana University basketball fan. More than anything, he cherished the simple joys of life: a great coupon find, a delicious meal filled with wonderful conversation, or an impromptu trip to Zesto with his grandchildren. He will be deeply missed for his resilient smile through all of life's adversity, his generous spirit, and his unwavering readiness to lend a helping hand with any project.

David is survived by his loving wife, Sharon; his children, Doug (Gina) Bailey and Shari (Michael Traficanti) Cook; his seven grandchildren, Kaitlyn (Chance) Antinnucci, Brady Cook, Gabrielle (John) Bailey Hinely, Hanna (Tanner) Gehring, Lyndsay Bailey, Delaney Bailey, and Jake Cook; his four great-grandchildren, Emilia, Gianna, Daniella, and Elliana; and his siblings, William (Cheryl) Bailey, Joyce Fate, Carol Barton, and James (Kathy) Bailey, along with several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Covington Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 8408 Covington Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 46804. The funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. Dave will be laid to rest immediately following the service in Covington Memorial Gardens.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Indiana University School of Medicine-Fort Wayne Research Fund for their research in Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia.