Chester A. "Chet" Bailey, Sr., age 92, of Eaton, died March 5, 2026, surrounded by loved ones at Albany Health and Rehab after an extended illness.  Chet was born on August 9, 1933, to parents Fred and Ethel (Cox) Bailey, one of 10 children on the family farm.

Chet was a lifelong grain and hog farmer, operating Bailey Farms with his wife, Janice, for years in the Granville area.  Chet attended Eaton Schools and served briefly overseas in the United States Army, during the Korean Conflict, before returning to the family farm.  Chet married Janice Eppard in 1956, and the couple were married 67 years until her death.  Together, they raised six children.  Chet retired after 50 years of farming and worked 35 years at Gardens of Memory Cemetery.  He was an avid fisherman, gardener, and a lifelong fan or the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team.

Chet is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Ethel Bailey; wife, Janice (Eppard) Bailey; daughter, Jackie Garrett; grandson, Jamie Bailey; four brothers, Ray, Glenn, Richard, and Charles Bailey; four sisters, Betty Clevenger, Jennie Campbell, Phyllis McKinley, and Judith Bailey; as well as a son-in-law, Tommy Gilmer.

Chet is survived by five children, Cindy A. Hedges, Laura P. (Jim) Clevenger, Chester A. "Allen" (Dawn) Bailey, Jr., Thomas F. (Susie) Bailey, Mary J. (Tim) Bailey-Jones; 15 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; 12 great- great grandchildren, and his brother, Fred "Jude" Bailey, Jr.; and several nieces and nephews.

Family will receive visitors from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Gardens of Memory Cemetery, 10703 N. State Rd 3, Muncie, IN 47303.

A funeral service to celebrate Chet's life will follow visitation at 1:00 pm with Pastor Chris Carter officiating.

Arrangements in care of Garden View Funeral Home, 10501 N. State Rd 3, Muncie, IN 47303.