Edward Norval Bailey

Edward Bailey, age 78, of Gilbert, Arizona, passed away on August 17, 2026, at 4:35 a.m., surrounded by the family who loved him. He is no longer in pain, and while his family will miss him deeply, they take comfort in knowing they will see him again.

Edward was born May 20, 1948, in Spokane, Washington, to Norval Bailey and Emma Lee Kearns.
He married the love of his life, Annette Bailey, in 1972 in the Provo, Utah Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Edward earned his Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from BYU, then followed in his father’s footsteps into retail, spending several years with K-Mart. He later pursued his entrepreneurial spirit, purchasing a Dunkin’ Donuts and then a second location, building a business he ran successfully for decades. After that chapter, he started fresh and opened a Blimpie’s in Mesa. He eventually sold the business and went on to work for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a Regional Facilities Manager, a position he held until his retirement.

Edward was an incredible man; generous, hardworking, and deeply devoted to the people he loved. He was a loyal husband, father, and friend, and he never turned away from hard work if it meant providing for and caring for his family. His love for the Church never wavered, and one of his greatest joys was having his entire family together, a wish he was blessed to see fulfilled near the end of his life. He was a passionate BYU basketball and football fan, and he loved camping and fishing.

Edward is survived by his wife, Annette Bailey; his four children, Kevin, Brian, Steven, and Brooke; his 11 grandchildren; his 2 great-grandchildren; and his sisters, Barbara and Trudy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Norval Bailey and Emma Lee Kearns.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, August 22, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., followed by funeral services from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., both at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 777 East Elliot Road, Gilbert, AZ 85234.

His legacy lives on.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.