Delbert Bailey

Delbert Benton Bailey, age 88, of West, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday evening, September 24, 2025.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, October 3, 2025, at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West, with Rev. Ed Karasek officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive visitors beginning at 2:30 p.m. Friday at the church, prior to the service.

Delbert was born on August 26, 1937, in Hubbard, Texas, the son of Bert and Beatrice (Emmons) Bailey. He graduated from Poly Tech High School in Fort Worth in 1955 and went on to attend Texas Christian University.

On September 14, 1957, Delbert married Dessa Kelley in Durant, Oklahoma, beginning a devoted partnership that lasted more than 30 years until her passing on July 26, 1988. Delbert later met Dorothy "Nubbin" (Veselka) Moore and the two have been inseparable ever since. Together, they shared a rich life filled with travel, ranch work, storytelling, and deep ties to family and community. Known for his remarkable memory and love of people, Delbert never met a stranger.

Delbert launched his career in journalism and public relations, beginning as a writer and later serving as Business Editor for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. He went on to spend 33 years as the Public Relations Director for the Fort Worth Stock Show. Throughout his career, his professionalism, warmth, and gift for storytelling earned him deep respect from colleagues, friends, and the broader community. He was also active in numerous civic and journalism organizations, always committed to service and connection.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Inez Priddy, Erza Hayes, Viree Pruitt, Mollie Davis, and Austine Nichols; and a twin brother, Elbert Bailey.

Survivors include his beloved wife of over 30 years, Nubbin Moore-Bailey of West; his daughters, Rema Lansford and husband David, and Janice Stewart and husband Destry; his grandchildren, Miranda Beaman and husband Jeremiah, Amanda Stewart, Holly Stewart, and Ryan Lansford and wife, Caroline; his great-grandchildren, Blake, London, Ethan, Alexis, Anslee, Andrew, Bethanie, Lucas, and Lincoln; niece, Lenona Nichols; and many extended family members and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Pallbearers are Brenton Bailey, Ryan Lansford, David Lansford, Jeremiah Beaman, Jeff Veselka, and Mark Veselka. Honorary Pallbearers are his great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary's Catholic School.

You are invited to share your thoughts and memories of Delbert in our memorial guest book found at www.aderholdfh.com.