Kevin D. Bailey

Kevin D. Bailey

July 07, 1958 - July 15, 2026

Send Flowers

Obituary

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.

Events

There are no events for Kevin D. yet.

Photos

Add photos
of Kevin D.
Memorial wall photoMemorial wall photoMemorial wall photo

Memories

Add a memory of
Kevin D.
SM
shawna massey
Coworker •
Beetle one a kind, such a kind soul. So lucky to have known you.
PA
Patty Alexander
Friend •
The picture I share with Kevin was taken 2 years ago .. the last time I saw my friend .. he was always happy and ready for a hug or beer .. he was a good friend .. i remember him from grade school and all thru high school.. he will always be remembered for his smile and sweet smile .. RIP and my condolences to the families he left behind
DJ
David Riemer Jr
Friend •
My sincerest condolences to the family of Beetle, we met in the 70s, a gentle man with a big heart and ALWAYS had a smile on his face, RIP. Brother, until we meet again.
CW
Carol Weigel
Friend •
We all went fishing in Montello on three day weekend, Beetle, Tim, Gary, Pam, Dawn, Tiff & I. We caught lots of bull heads. A mess to clean but great beer battered. A first for Beetle to eat. He liked them. We had a great weekend.
RE
Randy Edge
Friend •
I only have found memories of Kevin. He was 3 years older than me me in school, but everyone knew who he was. We both rode motorcycles and one night I had a problem with mine. Kevin gave me a ride home and we sat in my trailer and drank and talk until 3 a.m., and this was a week night, and I think I will never forget that night or the next day when he helped me get my bike running and back to the shop. He really was someone that was there for anyone when they were in need. the world will miss him and his smile and wit, but most of all his big heart.
AW
Amanda Wright
Coworker •
I did not know Kevin which makes this story even sweeter in my opinion my so I thought I'd share it for his family and friends, although I'm sure it'll come an no surprise! I was volunteering for the Platteville Holiday Project years ago and had signed up to get all the coat donations from the dry cleaners and needed to take them to Peace Lutheran Church for the coat distribution. I was pregnant at the time and had majorly underestimated how many donated coats there would be. Kevin saw me carrying all these coats into my vehicle and approached me to offer help. So kind and such a relief to me! And when we walked in with all the coats everyone seemed to know him. It was obvious he had a reputation of being a kind and servant community member. Whenever I saw him around town, I remembered his kindness!

Share memorial