Kevin D. Bailey

Kevin D. “Beetle” Bailey, 68, of Platteville, Wisconsin, died Wednesday, July 15, 2026. Kevin was born July 7, 1958, in Dubuque, IA, the son of Donald and Dolores “Dee” (Coward) Bailey. Kevin grew up going to school in Platteville. Growing up and throughout his life he always enjoyed hunting, fishing and ice fishing. Kevin was often found enjoying the local truck and tractor pulls and local dirt track races.

Kevin worked in maintenance at Fendall for most of his life. He also spent time working at the Governor Dodge Hotel, Kevin worked at both of these places along with his mother, Dee.

A big part of Kevin’s life was time spent riding his Harley Davidson and being a part of the Matadors of Southwest Wisconsin Motorcycle Club. Kevin was also a devoted member of the Platteville Elks Lodge 1460. 

Kevin was a very helpful and kind guy; he was the type of guy to give you the shirt off his back. Kevin showed this with his time spent fundraising for Badger Camp. He hosted multiple events a year, his goal was always to raise enough money to send one camper to camp every year. Kevin would also be seen volunteering at Dairy Days for many years, being a flagger at the end of the track, a job he enjoyed.

Kevin is survived by his cousin, Richard (Carol) Long, of Platteville, second cousins; Bradley Long of Stitzer and Nicole Long of Shullsburg, and third cousins; Bailey, Memphis and Emerson Long; step-siblings, Tammy (Greg) Halvorson, Wendy (Tim) Appell, Chad (Kathie) Fenner; best friends Tim Koeller, Melody Seemeyer, and Tim’s kids; TJ & Ryan Koeller; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his father, Donald W. Bailey, his mother, Dolores L. “Dee” Fenner and stepfather, Wayne Fenner

A visitation for Kevin will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory in Platteville with the Elks Lodge 1460 holding a service there at 6:00pm.  Memorials may be made to the Kevin D. Bailey Memorial Fund, PO Box 245, Platteville, WI 53818.  Online condolences can be made at www.merlbyfh.com.