Morris Gene “Buddy” Bailey April 8, 1945 – June 9, 2026

Morris Gene “Buddy” Bailey, a devoted husband, loving father, and faithful servant of God, passed away peacefully after an 11-year journey with Parkinson’s Disease. Born on April 8, 1945, in Freeport, Texas, to Fletcher Hammond Bailey and Edna Earlene Hickey Bailey, Buddy lived a life defined by faith, family, hard work, and community. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Kenneth Wayne Bailey; and his best friend and deer hunting partner, Kelly Borders Sr.

Buddy shared 59 beautiful years of marriage with the love of his life, Karen Rose Thompson Bailey. Together, they built a home in Sweeny, Texas, filled with love and laughter. Their marriage stood as a lasting example of devotion, partnership, and deep abiding love.

A proud member of the Sweeny community and the First Methodist Church of Sweeny, Buddy was known for his kindness, sense of humor, and love of hunting. After his honorable discharge from the Army in 1967, he dedicated 30 years of service to Dow before retiring in 1996. His strong work ethic and dependable nature left a lasting impression on colleagues and friends alike.

His Christian faith guided his life and sustained him through every season, including his courageous and grace-filled battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Even in the face of adversity, Buddy kept his sense of humor, demonstrating strength, dignity, and his unwavering trust in God.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife Karen, his beloved daughter, Jennifer Lynn Bailey FitzPatrick, and her husband, James FitzPatrick, who carry forward his legacy of love, faith, and resilience. He is also survived by step-granddaughters: Sarah FitzPatrick Taylor and her daughter Caitlynn Taylor; and Amanda FitzPatrick Hale, her husband Hunt Hale, and sons Lane and Luke Warr. He is further survived by his sisters Jeanette Bailey Volkmer, her partner Carol Fox, and her children Douglas Wayne Volkmer and Grace Ann Volkmer Ward; and Wanda Kay Bailey Fountain, her husband Walt Fountain, and their sons Tyler Bailey Fountain and Alex Hammond Fountain; along with many grand-nieces and grand-nephew, and cousins.

Buddy’s battle with Parkinson’s was not fought alone. Our family is deeply grateful to the dedicated nurses, doctors, and staff at Sweeny Community Hospital and IPH Hospice Care for the compassionate care they provided, as well as the men and women of the Sweeny Emergency Medical Services. We are also especially thankful for our caregivers and the love and support of dear friends, Shep and Jacquie Clark.

Buddy will be remembered as a strong and gentle man- always playful and full of jokes- with a steady presence and a heart that loved deeply. His life was a blessing, his memory a treasure, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services will be held at the First Methodist Church, 207 E. First Street, Sweeny, TX on Saturday, June 13th. Visitation will begin at 2:00 pm with service starting at 3:00 pm.