Dec. 1, 1940Oct. 24, 2024
Nadine Killer Bailey was born December 1, 1940, in Sentinel, Oklahoma (Washita County), to Leroy and Marie (Lemmon) Killer. She grew up on a farm south of Dill City and graduated high school in Dill City in 1958.
Nadine met and married her high school sweetheart, Leon Bailey, in 1959. Leon entered the Air Force in 1958 and for eight years they lived in Bossier City, Louisiana; Cabot, Arkansas; and Orlando, Florida. They moved back to Dill City to help with the family farming and grade A dairy in 1966.
Nadine and Leon started college in 1967 at Southwestern State University in Weatherford, Oklahoma, graduating in 1970. At that time, they began their teaching career in Hobart, Oklahoma, where she taught school for eleven years. During that time, she earned her master’s degree and in 1978 was first runner-up as the outstanding educator for the state of Oklahoma.
In 1981, she was hired by Oklahoma States University and completed extensive college credits above her master’s degree. She served over 20 years as an Extension educator.
During her tenure with OSU, she served as County Extension director for Kiowa and Greer counties where she implemented several innovative programs to assist county residents.
Nadine also served the southwest 20 counties for two years with nutrition education for business, industry, and the military. She received numerous awards and recognitions as an outstanding educator while she was employed by Oklahoma State University.
After retiring in 2001, Nadine stayed active as a volunteer for Jackson County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary for 19 years. She served as a board member of Altus Christian Academy and the Altus Salvation Army. She also served as mentor for Junior High girls in Altus Public Schools.
Nadine served as a women’s Sunday School teacher at Altus First Baptist Church since 1990 and served on many committees.
Nadine is survived by her husband Leon Bailey of the home, Son Steve Bailey and wife Mikeana of Nolanville, Texas, and daughter Brenda Krewall and husband Mark of Hobart, Oklahoma, and sisters Joyce Thionnet and husband Carl, of Edmond, Oklahoma, and Darlene Johnson and husband Bill of Sentinel, Oklahoma.
Nadine is further survived by 9 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Nadine was preceded in death by her parents, granddaughters Quay Sharie’ Hines and Tiffany Dawn Hines, and sisters Loyce Burke Weber and Patsy Barnett.
The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 PM Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at the Lowell-Tims Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at the First Baptist Church, Altus, with Dr. Carl Thionnet, Dr. Jeff Moore, and Rev. Doug Altom officiating. Burial will follow at the South Burns Cemetery under the direction of the Lowell-Tims Funeral Home and Crematory.