David Joshua Bailey

David Joshua Bailey, lovingly known to his family and so many others as “Papa,” peacefully passed away on October 1, 2026.

David was born on February 25, 1939, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, to Clarence Bramwell Bailey and Margaret Bailey. He spent his early years in Canada before moving to Ontario, California, where he met the love of his life, Donna Jo.

David and Donna married and shared a remarkable 67 years together. They made their home in Ontario, California, where they began their life together and welcomed their two sons, Dave and Dan. In 1967, David’s career with Munsingwear brought him and his young family to Utah, where they made their home and continued raising their family.

David built a successful career as a sales representative for Munsingwear, where he worked for 15 years. After his years with Munsingwear, he continued working in the clothing industry, representing and promoting other clothing lines. During this chapter of their lives, Donna often traveled alongside him. Together, they traveled to various states representing clothing lines, meeting people, and sharing experiences along the way.

David was truly a people person. He genuinely loved people and enjoyed meeting and talking with everyone he encountered. His kind and easygoing nature made it natural for him to connect with others, whether through his work, his travels, or simply in everyday life.

Although David had already made his home, raised his family, and built his life in the United States for many years, becoming an American citizen was an important milestone for him. On August 11, 1980, he proudly became a United States citizen.

Those who knew David will remember him most for his kind and gentle nature. He rarely complained, never judged others, and showed unconditional love to those around him. He accepted people for who they were and treated everyone with kindness.

David was also incredibly gifted with his hands. There seemed to be very little he couldn’t build, repair, or figure out. He was always willing to lend a hand whenever his family needed him.

Above everything else, David loved his family. He especially loved spending time with Donna. Throughout their 67 years of marriage, she was the love of his life and his closest companion.

Becoming a grandfather brought David tremendous joy and gave him the name that would become so much a part of who he was—Papa. It was a name that extended beyond his grandchildren, as family and those close to him simply came to know and love him as Papa.

Papa is survived by his sons, Dave (Nancy) Bailey and Dan (Donna) Bailey; 4 grandchildren and 2 step-grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren, with another great-grandchild on the way, 3 step-great-grandchildren; and his brothers, Victor Bailey and John Paul Bailey.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 67 years, Donna Jo Bailey; his parents, Clarence Bramwell Bailey and Margaret Bailey; and his brother, Herb Bailey.

Papa will be deeply missed by his family and everyone who knew and loved him. We will remember his kindness, his gentle nature, his love for people, and most of all, the unconditional love he had for his family.

He will always be our Papa.

Graveside Service will be held at Memorial Mountain View Mortuary, 3115 E Bengal Blvd (7800 South), Cottonwood Heights Ut

Graveside Service: Saturday 10th, 2026 at 11:00 am