Gordon "Charlie" Bailey

Dates

June 2, 1950 - January 29, 2025

Obituary

Gordon “Charlie” Bailey, 74, of Mitchell, SD, passed away Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell. Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM Saturday, February 8, at Bittner Funeral Chapel. Visitation will be Friday from 5-7:00 PM at Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Gordon “Charlie” Bailey was born June 2, 1950, to Gordon and Muriel (Smith) Bailey in Mitchell, SD. Charlie graduated from Letcher High School in 1969.

Charlie grew up on his family farm between Letcher and Mitchell. It was on the farm that he found a love for raising pigs. In his earlier years Charlie spent many days fishing on the Missouri River with family and friends, in particular Floyd Drew. He had a love for basketball that led him to be a student manager for the basketball teams at both Letcher High School and Dakota Wesleyan University.

He started shining shoes at the age of 10 for Lyle “Heine” Fuerst. Charlie learned the trade from Heine and continued his passion at being a cobbler and in 1975, Charlie started Charlie Shoe Repair in Mitchell and owned it for 44 years.

Charlie married Darlene Lynne on November 29, 1996, and they continued to live on the family farm until they moved into Mitchell in 2016.

Charlie is survived by his wife, Darlene; brother, Jim (Cathy) Bailey; sister, Valerie Nolz; his beloved dog, Freddie; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Charlie is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Heather Bailey.

Visitation(s)

Date
Friday, February 7, 2025

Time
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Location
Bittner Funeral Chapel
805 W Havens Ave
Mitchell, SD 57301

Service

Date
Saturday, February 8, 2025

Time
10:30 AM

Location
Bittner Funeral Chapel
805 W Havens Ave
Mitchell, SD 57301

Posted by Kelly Hills on February 12, 2025

I was sorry to hear of Charlie's death. He was such a nice guy. No matter how busy he was, he would take the time to talk with you, most times, while he cobbled along. Mitchell has lost a legend. My thoughts and prayers to his family. Rest in peace, Charlie.

Posted by Terry Nutter on February 10, 2025

Condolences to all of Charlies family. It was always interesting to visit Charlie at work or home.

Posted by Albert Miller Family on February 9, 2025

Our Best to you Darlene!! You will always have a special spot in our hearts!! Our family will Always remember the enjoyable times we had with you!! On the farm, shop, and the new house. The children remember you from a young age. 🙏🏼🙏🏼

Posted by Nancy Lewis on February 8, 2025

Charlie was an interesting guy. Sorry to hear of his passing. My best to family and friends

Posted by Peggy & Roger Kowall on February 7, 2025

Prayers for your family. Charlie was an awesome guy.

Posted by Jewel Oehlerking on February 6, 2025

Thoughts and prayers 🙏 Charlie was a good friend to my little brothers. May he now be good friends with them again

Posted by Gary & Kay ( Hemmer) Shafer on February 6, 2025

We are so sorry for your loss! Prayers for your family! Cherish all the good memories as he will live in your hearts forever! We can picture Charlie in his shoe shop ready to help us when we entered the door. There were a few times he struck up a conversation. He was a most talented man when it came to repairing shoes. I was one of the Hemmer's who lived 8 miles north of Mitchell, near the Bailey farm. let Valerie know I remember her too.

Posted by Cindy Riddle on February 6, 2025

Thinking of you , Darlene!! What a wonderful human being Charlie was 😇….. And will certainly be missed by all who knew him. God Bless You!

Posted by Lynette Stekl Reime on February 6, 2025

Charlie was a kind man. I’m glad I knew him and remember our visits on the school bus.

Posted by Connie Bennett Farris on February 5, 2025

Sat by him in hs study hall! He was always of good humor and kept things moving along!! What a great person.

Posted by Dawna VanOverschelde on February 5, 2025

Thinking of you, Darlene. So sorry for your loss.

Posted by Rodger Jarabek on February 5, 2025

RIP, we lost a great guy.

Posted by Barb and Larry Zimmerman on February 5, 2025

So sorry for your loss great guy his business was very important in Mitchell for many years and every one knew who Charlie was. Love prayers for his family 💐❤️🙏

Posted by Debra on February 5, 2025

So very sad for your loss. Many times frequented his shop. He was a very kind man with a lot of talent!

Posted by Val & Dawn Luckett & Familie on February 5, 2025

RIP CHARLIE. thanks for all the great work. You will be missed by many

Posted by Janet Carda on February 5, 2025

Condolences to the family he will be missed!

Posted by Janet Carda on February 5, 2025

Condolences to the family he will missed!

Posted by Ron and Sandi Ruml on February 4, 2025

He was always fun to talk to and rehash the good old days. Our sympathy to your family. He will be missed.

Posted by Pat Muilenburg on February 3, 2025

Loved Charlie he was a special person, no doubt. I still have some of his BS guards that he made, love ya buddy

Posted by Pat Muilenburg on February 3, 2025

Loved Charlie he was a special person, no doubt. I still have some of his BS guards that he made, love ya buddy

Posted by Beverly thompson on February 3, 2025

So sorry for the loss of Charlie. He was a hit when I went into his shop

Posted by George W Hoffman on February 3, 2025

My are for you , Darlene, at this sad time of loss.
Charlie was so special. I lived in Wis. for thirty years and always would stop in with my boots for Charlie to renew them. He was the best. RIP my dear friend.

Posted by Barbara Horton on February 3, 2025

Charlie was a Main Street icon. He will be missed in many ways.

Posted by Jane M Goldammer on February 2, 2025

There was only one Charlie, he will be missed by all that knew him. Prayers for the family.

Posted by Lynn Metcalf on February 2, 2025

So sorry to hear about Charlie. My thought and prayers are with his family, especially Darlene. Take comfort in your memories.

Posted by Kim Strehlow on February 2, 2025

Darlene so sorry for your loss.. He was a great guy. He will be missed.

Posted by Reg and Deb Young on February 2, 2025

Charlie will be missed greatly in our community. Not only was he friendly, he also knew how to keep our shoes and other items in good repair. Always friendly as is his wife Darlene as well!

Posted by Oftedahl Land and Cattle on February 1, 2025

So many boots,saddle parts, and horse blankets fixed up by Charlie. He was an artisan that will be sorely missed.

Posted by Paul and Leanne Payne on February 1, 2025

Charlie will be greatly missed with his stories and caring ways. He was one of a kind!!

Posted by Louise Metz on February 1, 2025

You will be missed by many. You dealt me many cards' Always enjoyed my visits with your parents.

Posted by Lennie Fuerst on February 1, 2025

Sad to hear of Charlie's passing. My dad - Leonard - and I always enjoyed running into Charlie and visiting with him. Take care.

Posted by Kelly Gross on February 1, 2025

An end of an era, to be sure. I have missed seeing you Darlene and Charlie out of my office windows each day. My thoughts are with you, Darlene as you navigate though another big change in your life.

Posted by Robert and Linda Henglefelt on February 1, 2025

We are so sorry for the loss of Charlie. He was a Mitchell legend.

Posted by Arden & Jeannette Lemke on February 1, 2025

So sorry for your loss. He was a very special person and will be missed.

Posted by David VanOverschelde on February 1, 2025

Hearing of Charlie's passing was a surprise and everyone's loss. A friendship that started in high school and never faded. Every time I came home, I had to stop by the shoe shop you were always there. RIP Charlie.

Posted by Gini Voigt on February 1, 2025

Sympathies to the Bay family

Sympathy to the Bailey family. You all are very special to me and especially Charlie. I loved his sense of humor and he was a great great cook. May fun times belong remembered. He was a great guy.

Posted by Elsie Juhnke on February 1, 2025

Sorry for your loss he was a great friend he will be missed by all

Posted by Michelle Studer on February 1, 2025

Thinking of you Darlene-so sorry for your loss.

Posted by Paul and Barb Wilson on February 1, 2025

Darlene. So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to you and the family.

Posted by Jake and Bobbie Prickett on February 1, 2025

So sorry on your loss. Prayers

Posted by Keith Johnson on February 1, 2025

Deepest sympathy to the family. He was a great guy and will be missed.

Posted by Susan & Jim Johannsen on February 1, 2025

Our thoughts and sympathy to you and your loved ones at the loss of Charlie. He was one of a kind! Mitchell lost a special man with a special talent.

Posted by Roy Sonne on February 1, 2025

Rest in peace Charlie, you will be greatly missed sending my sympathies and condolences to the family

Posted by Pat and Barb Carlon on January 31, 2025

Darlene we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.

Posted by Rebecca Studelska on January 31, 2025

He will be missed.

Posted by Dennis and Anita Fink on January 31, 2025

Darlene, so sorry to hear the news of Charlie’s passing. What a special friend he was to us as he was to so many.

Posted by Bob &Sandi Young on January 31, 2025

So very sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing, he will be greatly missed.

Posted by Pat Cassutt on January 31, 2025

So sorry for your loss. Charlie was one of a kind. He was always willing to help me out. He will be greatly missed.🙏💙🙏

Posted by Peggy Rassel on January 31, 2025

So sorry Darlene for your loss. I’m going to really miss him

Posted by Mike and Marsha Huffman, Boise, Idaho on January 31, 2025

Darlene, because we are family, we have known and loved Charlie for 74 years, and a million memories and laughs. You both are very special to us. We miss him already and we're broken-hearted. What a beautiful soul! No other words fit him any better. Hugs and prayers for you.

Posted by Deb Tilton on January 31, 2025

So sorry for your loss-Charlie as always helpful and kind.. Hw will be greatly missed..

Posted by Barb and Keith Senska on January 31, 2025

So sorry to hear of Charlie's passing. I have so many fond memories of him. We graduated from Letcher together. Charlie was always there for us when we needed something. He will be missed by many . No one could fix a shoe like Charlie

Posted by Don& Cindy Auch on January 31, 2025

Deepest sympathies to Charlie’s family! He will be missed by many! Such a nice guy to visit with! Thoughts& prayers 🙏🏻🙏🏻

Posted by Janice (Rearick) Frey on January 31, 2025

Charlie and his family were long ago friends. From a great family. Charlie was always so well liked and a pleasing to stop and talk to when we came to Mitchell. May he rest in peace. Sympathy and prayers to all.

Posted by Bonnie and Troy Bollock on January 31, 2025

So sorry for your loss, he was a great guy, he will be missed by so many!

Posted by Jeff Frederick on January 31, 2025

So sorry for your loss, Charlie was a great person. Rest In Peace.

Posted by Steve Frederick on January 31, 2025

He was one of a kind I'll miss talking to him RIP we Lost a Good Man

Posted by Roberta Davidson on January 30, 2025

Always a pleasure to stop in and talk to Charlie. He was one of the Mitchell Mainstreet warriors. We will miss you Charlie!

Posted by MarkShearer on January 30, 2025

Condolences, Charlie was a very special person who will be missed

Posted by Tony Flowers on January 30, 2025

So sorry for your loss Darlene. Memories from the early days of the shoe shop, the legion, hunting, and the good times at the river and coffee at Rita's he will greatly be missed.

Posted by Kasey and Oliver Buum on January 30, 2025

Darlene, our family is so sorry for your loss! Charlie was just a great guy who always made our family feel so welcomed! We will always remember his great stories and good laughs! He will be missed!

Posted by Hollie Karber on January 30, 2025

So very sorry for your loss! Charlie was a great guy and will truly be missed!

Posted by Tom and Roberta McEntee on January 30, 2025

Darlene, We are so very sorry for your loss. God bless you.

Posted by Terri Juhnke on January 30, 2025

Thank you Charlie for sharing your kindness and compassion! You are one of a kind and will always be remembered as the best!

Posted by Don and Barb Young on January 30, 2025

Charlie was loved by all who knew him. He will be missed. We are sorry for your loss.

Posted by Jan and Terry Hendrix on January 30, 2025

So sorry for your loss, Darlene. He was an awesome friend. We will miss him.

Posted by Larry Zimmerman on January 30, 2025

you and your shoe shop will really be missing in this town. Sorry to hear about your passing.

Posted by Chris Fosness on January 30, 2025

Oh Charlie! Thank You for babysitting me during DWU practices, giving me pop as you washed jerseys and jocks for The Tigers! The back door to “The Palace & your shop” was all I knew for years! Professionally…you aided people in walking and younger kids Run! Your bond & Friendship with my Dad was Special to Witness! God Bless You! Our world is better because you were In It BIG! My Sympathies Darlene

Posted by Bob and Judy Nickles on January 30, 2025

So sorry for your loss Darlene Charlie was a great guy and will be missed by some many.

Posted by Tammy Fuerst on January 30, 2025

So sorry for your loss Darlene. Charlie was a
Great guy. He will be missed.

Posted by Curt Peterson on January 30, 2025

Sorry hear this Charlie was a great guy

Posted by Patty Dierks on January 30, 2025

That Charlie! What a guy! Jack & I had many fun times with you two! When I hear about homemade caramels at Christmas, I think of you guys. I am so sorry for your loss!

Posted by Marge Wagner on January 30, 2025

Sorry for your loss

Posted by Ron Vermeulen on January 30, 2025

So sorry for your loss. Will always remember the good times RIP

Posted by monica evers on January 30, 2025

so very sorry for your loss. have a lot of memories he was one of the good guys. sending thoughts and prayers to you all

Posted by Susan Kiepke on January 30, 2025

Darlene, I am so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for you as you navigate through this.

Posted by Stan ruff on January 30, 2025

So sorry to hear of Charlie's passing. He will be greatly missed. Rest in peace, Charlie

Posted by Jon Kaye Smith on January 30, 2025

Heavenly peace, Charlie

Posted by Gary Ruff on January 30, 2025

So sorry to hear of Charlie's passing prayers for the family during this difficult time

Posted by Nancy Kelly on January 30, 2025

Charlie always made you feel welcome & he definitely was a bright spirit in our world. He was a LHS alumni & supporter & I was always thankful & glad to see him! Hugs & prayers to Darlene & family & friends…truly a loss of a GOOD one!!!

Posted by Wayne & Carmen Allen on January 30, 2025

So sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing. He was one of a kind and very special to all that knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends .

Posted by Vicky hohn on January 30, 2025

Charlie was a great person rest in peace my friend

Posted by Tom Riddle on January 30, 2025

What a great guy,he made a difference in this life we live. Thoughts and prayers

Posted by Wanda Kobes on January 30, 2025

So sorry for this very sad loss !! Charlie always had that little smile and comment!! He is going to be missed by everyone blessed to know him !!!

Posted by Jerry Luckett on January 30, 2025

I am so sorry for your loss. Charlie was so special! I have so many memories of visits with him and I always knew anything I took in for him to repair could come back looking like new. Rest in Peace Charlie, you will be missed.

Posted by John connor on January 30, 2025

So sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing Was a great guy will be missed greatly. Rest in piece sir

Posted by Jack Wagner on January 30, 2025

Charlie was one of kind !! Great Guy He truly was !!!

Posted by Karen Schultz on January 30, 2025

Darlene, I am so sorry for your loss! I have known Charlie for a long, long time and I will miss him. Always enjoyed the visits that we had.

Posted by Christeen Scheurenbrand on January 30, 2025

Love Christeen amd Todd Scheurenbrand

Posted by Christeen Scheurenbrand on January 30, 2025

Darlene… I’m saddened to read of Charlie’s passing… what a great soul he was… feel our ((hugs)) ,you will continue to be in thoughts and prayers at this difficult time…. Let be Christeen and Todd Scheurenbrand 💫

Posted by Mary and Richard Goudy on January 29, 2025

Darlene: so sorry for the loss of Charlie. He was a great friend, as you are.

Posted by Barb Goldammer on January 29, 2025

Darlene, we are so sorry for your loss. Charlie was a very special person to so many. He will be missed.