Lamar W Bailey

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Lamar W Bailey, 80, of Heyburn passed away on Nov. 1, 2025 surrounded by his family after a six-year battle with cancer.

Lamar was born Sept. 28, 1945, in Rupert, Idaho, the son of William Ray Bailey and Irma Sarepta Thaxton Bailey. He was also welcomed by Jeanne, Joan, Dee Ray, Marilyn followed by Nolan and Neldon.

In his youth, Lamar developed a strong work ethic while helping at his father’s gas station and working for neighboring farmers. His favorite school classes and activities were shop, mechanical drawing, welding and FFA. These early experiences shaped his lifelong values of hard work, reliability, and humility—qualities he carried into every aspect of his life.

After graduating from Minico High School in 1964 Lamar served a mission as a Church Builder in the Northeast Area for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was assigned to help build a church house in Keene, New Hampshire.  They finished the building on Saturday night with everything in place for the church service on Sunday.  He was sent to help with the church booth at the World’s Fair in New York and was asked to drive people up the hill to watch The Hill Cumorah Pageant in 1965, because it was snowy and he was the only one who could get the car up the slick hill.

On June 23, 1966, he married the love of his life, Brenda Parish, and together they built a beautiful life grounded in love, faith, and family. They were blessed with four children: Natalie, Nicole, Shawn and Tyrell. In 1981 Lamar and Brenda expanded their family by welcoming Robert Wayne LaDeaux Jr. into their home as a foster son, including him as one of their own. 

Lamar and Brenda’s first date was to a car race in Pocatello. They continued having weekly dates and attending many car races, including the Indianapolis 500 in 1972. Lamar loved anything with a motor and followed NASCAR and NHRA. A combined 70th birthday and their 50th wedding anniversary was celebrated at the Richard Petty Driving Experience where he drove 30 laps in NASCAR #22 averaging 147 mph. He shared this experience with his kids and grandkids with the opportunity to ride-along with a pro driver. Close to 50 Anniversaries were spent at the Idaho Boat Regatta with plenty of stories including a very fast ride.

Raising animals and growing a huge garden provided food for family and friends. What looked like hard work to most was a hobby to Lamar. He spent a lot of time on his old Massey Ferguson tractor, and many kids and grandkids have fond memories of driving the tractor or riding in his homemade trailer. He enjoyed growing Big Max Pumpkins. One year he had a guessing contest of the circumference and weight with a $20 prize for the winners.

Lamar’s career with the family business started out as a service station attendant, mechanic and tire shop.  Truck drivers would ask him to move their trucks in the parking lot which gave him the experience and desire to become a truck driver.  He managed the Phillips 66 Hub Plaza in Heyburn, Bailey Oil in Jerome and Gooding.  The family purchased a Common Carrier business, and he started hauling fuel. He loved to drive the truck he called his ‘100 foot bomb’ hauling fuel to many places, including the gold mines in Nevada, engines for the railroad, trips to Stanley etc.  As part owner of Cycle City, he transported snowmobiles and motorcycles out of the Port of Seattle logging over 3 1/2 million miles.

Lamar was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served diligently in the clerk's office to six bishops over 40 years. He served as a 2nd Counselor in the Bishopric, Elder’s Quorum President, High Priest Group Leader and Stake Auditor. His commitment to service, integrity, and quiet strength brought enduring friends. He will be remembered for his deep love of family, steadfast faith, and sense of humor.

Survived by his wife Brenda, children Natalie (Eric) Miles, Nicole (Mark) Maier, Shawn W Bailey and Tyrell (Jaimee) Bailey, 25 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren.

Preceded in death by his parents, sister, Marilyn, grandson, Cameron L Miles and foster son, Robert Wayne LaDeaux Jr..

The family would like to thank St. Lukes Oncology Medical Staff and Intermountain Home Health and Hospice for all the kindness they showed to him during this difficult time.

Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 8, 2025 at the Heyburn 2nd Ward Building on 540 Villa Drive. Viewing for family and friends will be held from 6-8:00 p.m. Friday, November 7, 2025 at Morrison Payne Funeral Home and for one hour prior to the services at the church. Services will conclude with burial in the Heyburn Riverside Cemetery under the direction of Morrison Payne Funeral Home.

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