Leland Eugene Bailey

Leland Eugene Bailey passed away in his tractor at home on July 21, 2026. He succumbed to doing the one thing he refused to give up and that is his work. Leland is leaving behind a legacy defined by hard work and an indomitable spirit that shaped every endeavor he pursued. Born on October 11, 1948, in Holton, Kansas, Leland grew up deeply rooted in the land that surrounded him, setting the stage for a life guided by determination, wit, and a steadfast commitment to the Bailey family farm and to those he loved.

Leland grew up working on the farm, going to school, and participating in football, basketball and his favorite sport was baseball. He claimed he was offered a scholarship to play baseball and turned it down. He graduated from Hoyt High School in 1966.

Throughout his life, Leland was truly a man of many hats. He worked at Goodyear, dedicated years of service to the Santa Fe Railroad and poured his energy into farming on the family homestead with his brother- a testament to his lifelong connection to agriculture. He graduated from Missouri Auction School and founded Bailey Auction, where for many years he was an auctioneer. Perhaps most notably, Leland served as an auctioneer/later worked the ring for Rezac Livestock Commission out of St. Mary's for over three decades. Leland then worked for Manhattan Livestock Commission Co. In his many roles, he became a familiar face and a recognizable voice, thriving on the camaraderie and challenge that came with wheeling and dealing-a skill at which he excelled.

Leland met and married Jill Guess, born with that marriage is a daughter Brooke. They later divorced. He then met Patricia Powers and they were married on October 28, 1992 and he gained two more daughters, Cheryl Rice and Shannon Phillips.

Leland's love of the cattle and farming was more than just a vocation; it was a passion that defined his daily life and made him a respected figure among those who shared is interests. Leland was steadfast about the family farm and was successful in the farming world. His storytelling abilities, impressions, jokes and figures of speech were legendary and marked by an uncanny memory and told with such accuracy that listeners found themselves laughing, learning, or reflecting, depending on the tale. We would tease him that he was a walking rolodex, mathematician and farmer's almanac.

A proud and sometimes (well most of the time) stubborn man, Leland's relationships were colored deeply by his unique personality. He cared for others in his own, sometimes unconventional way, offering a mix of dry humor, straightforward honesty, and unwavering support. It was said about Leland that when people were asked if they knew him, the answer was never simple-he was truly the man you either loved or not so much, a testament to the strength and singularity of his character.

Leland is lovingly remembered by his daughters: Brooke (Tim) Bacon, Cheryl (Bryan) Rice, and Shannon Phillips. His legacy lives on in his grandchildren - Lukas and Nickolas Bacon, Bailey (Simon) Beach, Brooklyn, Tricia and Bryan Rice, Shandan Spencer and Donavyn Phillips - as well as his great grandchildren Lennon Beach, Izayah and Amayah Spencer, niece Tiffany Botts and nephew Ramond Miller. Each has been moved and influenced by Leland's distinct imprint on their lives, cherishing the stories and values he imparted.

Leland was preceded in death by his grandparents, his father Thurman Bailey, his mother Bessie Bailey, his brother Charles (Janet) Bailey, Ramond Miller, and his beloved wife Pat Bailey. Their memories were a guiding force in his later years, as he often spoke fondly and proudly of the family that shaped him.

Those who had the privilege of knowing Leland Eugene Bailey will remember him for his dedication, resilience, innovation and work ethic. He leaves behind not just stories but an enduring example of what it means to lead a life rooted in hard work, loyalty, and authenticity. His family and friends mourn his passing, even as they celebrate the rich tapestry of memories and achievements that defined his time with them.

His family would like to personally and sincerely thank all of you that showed him patience, kindness and grace in the last couple of years when his health was declining and he wasn't being himself. We appreciate the fact that so many people reached out out of pure kindness and concern for him. This means the world to us.

A service at Fellowship Bible Church in Topeka is pending and will be announced at a later date, please check back.

To leave a message for the family, please visit the guestbook section below.