John Gregory Bailey, 81, passed away peacefully at home on July 14, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on June 13, 1945, in Akron, Ohio. John lived a life defined by service, integrity, faith, and an unwavering devotion to the people he loved.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John Bailey Jr. and Helen Konya Bailey; his brother, Robert "Bob" Bailey; and his beloved grandson, Edward "Eddie" Roe.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Carol (Sturm) Bailey; his daughters, Kristen (Dirk) Emrick, Cheryl Owens, and Jackie (Chris) Temming; his grandchildren, Nicholas (Madison Bean) Mahoney, Justin (Sarah) Mahoney, Kayla Mahoney, John (Kristan) Roe, Sean Owens, Shea Owens, Bailey Temming, and Blake Temming; his great-grandchildren, June, Luke, Dallas, Hudson, and Brooks; his sister, Patricia (Chick) Riegler; along with many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

John graduated from Hoban High School with the Class of 1963 and later attended the University of Akron. While he may not have earned a college degree, he always said he left with something far greater, an amazing wife. He married the love of his life, Carol (Sturm) Bailey, and together they shared 60 wonderful years of marriage, raising an incredible family and creating a home filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support. John lived in Canal Fulton, Ohio, for 49 years, where he proudly served both his family and his community.

John dedicated more than four decades to serving others. He began his career with the City of Akron Police Department as a patrolman before becoming a detective in Homicide and Armed Robbery and later in the Checks and Forgery Unit. After retiring in 1996 following 29 years of service, he continued his commitment to justice as a Direct Indictment Investigator with the Summit County Prosecutor's Office, where he served 11 years. Never one to truly retire, John then joined the Summit County Sheriff's Office in the Juvenile Diversion Program. One of the honors he treasured most was being recognized as a positive role model by a young man whose life he had touched through his years of work. He retired in 2012 after five more years of helping young people find a better path. He then became a court-recognized questioned document expert after completing specialized training through the United States Secret Service.

Service was simply part of who John was. He was a Civil Service Commissioner for the City of Canal Fulton. He was a proud member of FOP Lodge 7 in Akron, the VFW in Canal Fulton, and the FOE in both Akron and North Canton. A devoted man of faith, John was a Deacon and faithful member of Lakeview Christian Church until his health issues prevented him from regularly attending.

John enjoyed playing softball and bowling, but golf was his true love. Some of his greatest joys came from coaching and watching his daughters play sports and supporting them in everything they did. He never missed an opportunity to cheer or passionately yell from the sidelines, making sure everyone knew exactly which team he was rooting for.

He was also a dedicated Browns fan for life, no matter how horribly they played. On game days, you could count on finding him wrapped in his favorite Cleveland Browns blanket, faithfully cheering them on season after season, no matter the outcome.

While John's accomplishments were many, his greatest achievement was the family he and Carol built together. Some of his happiest moments were also the simplest: sharing popcorn with his grandchildren while watching documentaries or westerns, taking pictures and playing with his great-grandchildren, spending quality recliner time beside Carol, and, more often than not, drifting off to sleep in his favorite chair with a crossword puzzle and the remote resting in his hands. Those ordinary moments became extraordinary because they were spent with the people he loved most.

To know John was to know a man who believed that showing up mattered. Whether it was for his family, his church, his community, or a complete stranger, he was always there when he was needed. He spent his life protecting his community, serving those around him, and showing up for the people he loved. The lessons he taught, the laughter he shared, and the love he gave so freely will continue to live on in every life he touched. Though our hearts are broken by his passing, we find comfort knowing that his story will be carried through his family for generations. His legacy is one of faith, service, loyalty, and unconditional love. Finally, if love could keep someone here forever, John would have stayed. We love you.

A Funeral Service will be held MONDAY, July 20, 2026, 12:00pm at Lakeview Christian Church, 4613 S Main St, Akron, with Jim Gindlesberger officiating. Visitation SUNDAY, July 19, 2026, 6pm to 8pm at the Swigart-Easterling Funeral Home, 624 Cherry St. E. (Rt. 93) Canal Fulton and also one hour prior to service time at the church on Monday.