Donald Leroy Dailey, 83, of Batavia
Donald Leroy Dailey, 83, of Batavia, IA, passed away peacefully at his home on the farm on Monday, November 11, 2024. Don’s life was a testament to hard work, loyalty, and resilience. A man of strong character and unwavering dedication, he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Funeral services to celebrate Don will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Fairfield with Pastor Danny Cary officiating. Burial with military honors will be in the Batavia Cemetery immediately following the service. A visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, November 18, 2024 at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Fairfield with the family present to greet friends from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions in Don’s honor may be directed to the American Cancer Society, Hospice Compassus, or to the Batavia Cemetery and may be left at the funeral home or mailed c/o Cranston Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 189, Fairfield, IA 52556. Friends may leave online condolences or join the webcast at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Born on April 28, 1941, in Batavia, Iowa, Don spent nearly his entire life in the community he lived, working the same farm where he passed away. Farming was more than a job for Don – it was his way of life. Don spent countless hours in the fields and barns, always ensuring that his crops and cattle were well cared for. The demands and rewards of farming shaped the man he became – steadfast, strong and hardworking.
His dedication to the farm was matched only by his devotion to his family. Don’s loyalty to his family was evident in the way he provided for them through the hard work of farming, sharing his knowledge, and always lending a helping hand.
A proud U.S. military veteran, Don also served his country with honor, carrying the values of duty and loyalty throughout his life. Whether on the farm or in his community, Don demonstrated the kind of toughness that comes from years of hard work and facing life’s challenges head-on.
Don was preceded in death by his wife Sharon, his parents Dorman and Rose, and his sister Edith and survived by his daughter Shawn Holcomb (husband Terry) son, Michael Dailey (wife Tracy) as well as his beloved grandchildren, Shelby, Zachary, Jaxon and Brooklin. His legacy of hard work, loyalty, and toughness will live on in his family.