Richard Bailey

Richard Bailey ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Pierschbacher Funeral Homes - Knoxville on Mar. 14, 2026.A celebration of life gathering for Richard P. Bailey, 88, of Knoxville will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Knoxville to honor and celebrate his life.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Marion County Conservation Board.On September 9, 1937, Richard Perry Bailey was born to Chester and Ruth (Perry) Bailey. He grew up in the Marion County area attending school at Pleasantville then later transferring to Knoxville High school where he later graduated in 1955. Richard played football for the Knoxville Panthers and held the record,10 yards per carry for 60 years. The record was taken over by another young man who had the same 'Bailey' name but held no relation at all!Richard was a salesman in multiple types of sales. He worked at the implement dealership with his father and worked for the Langabartels Clothing store. In the late 60's and early 70's he ran the Red Rock Marina. He eventually got his Real Estate License and began working for Mary Stotts until he got his own Real Estate Brokers License. After getting his own license and opened his own business, he worked with Better Homes and Gardens, GMAC, and Prudential until he sold his business to Bob Lyman from Pella but ultimately to Park Woodle, who was an Agent of Rich's when he got his broker license.Richard married the love of his life, Joni Pothoven on October 9, 1990. The two blended their families together and enjoyed watching their children and grandchildren get to know one another through the years. They each loved one another's families like their own.There were many memories that Richard and Joni have made over the years. One of their favorite places of all time was Lake Red Rock. They spent lots of time on the lake in their boat and if you know them, you've probably been to one of their famous fish fries. NO one cooks fish like Richard Bailey! Richard loved people and just life in general. He lived every moment to the fullest. Richard was also very tech savvy and always had the latest and greatest up to date technology.Richard sadly passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Knoxville. He is preceded by his parents, Chester and Ruth (Perry) Bailey; sisters: Jane Ann (Cecil) Clark, Francis (Bill) King and Sarah (Bill) Ryerson; son, Jason Pothoven; grandson, Nathaniel Marxen along with two nephews.Richard will be deeply missed by his wife, Joni; their children: Debra (Steve) Marxen of Davenport, Kim (Jerry) Myers of Oskaloosa, Beverly Kelso of Des Moines and Laura (Brian) Rose; 12 grandchildren: Jeremiah (Tisha) Smith, Heather (Kyle) Shaw, Jayme (Adam) Brown, Kyle Marxen, Katelyn (Tanner) Kosman, DJ Kelso, John Kelso, Ashley Baum, Andrea (Patrick) Childs, Aaron Rose, Abby Pothoven, and Larry Pothoven; 10 great grandchildren: Cheyenne, Gage, Isela, Blake (Cody), Skyler (Carlos), Atlas, Lily, Kendyl, Barrett and River; two great great grandchildren: Parker and Lennon; and many other extended family members and friends.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.