Longtime Sanford resident Gary Leon Bailey, 62, passed away peacefully at the Conejos County Hospital in La Jara on January 11, 2019.  

Gary was born in Alamosa, Colorado on May 25, 1956 to Robert O. and Anita Bailey.  He married his wife of 39 years, Elizabeth Virginia Casey on September 29, 1979 in La Jara, CO.  

Gary served as the Mayor of Sanford for 18 years.  He loved politics and served the Democratic Party faithfully. Gary also served on several boards including the Sanford School Board for 8 years, Conejos County Library, Conejos County Housing Authority, and Conejos/Costilla Headstart board.  He was one of the founding members of the Sanford Museum and loved researching history.  In his younger years he climbed Mt. Blanca four times.

Gary is survived by his wife Elizabeth Bailey of Sanford; his children Ira (Dayna) Bailey and Victoria Bailey of Sanford; his granddaughter Tanya Horton; his brothers and sisters, Lour Lee (Jim) Hartman of Benson, AL; Doris Ann Garcia of Denver, CO; Robert (Robin) Bailey of Goessel, Kansas; Dellana (Fred) Mote of Chicago, IL; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents Bob and Anita Bailey; his brothers Greg Bailey and Fritz Stock.

Cremation was chosen and a Memorial Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 19, 2019 at the Sanford Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Contributions in his memory may be made to the Sanford Colorado History Museum, 778 Main St., Sanford, CO 81151.

Rogers Family Mortuary of Alamosa is in care of the arrangements.  To leave online condolences, tributes or remarks for Gary’s family, please visit www.RogersFunerals.com.