Michael A Bailey

Michael A. Bailey, 39, of Kutztown, died suddenly of natural causes on Tuesday, July 28, 2015 at Grandview Speedway, Bechtelsville, while waiting to do what he loved most, Race. He was the husband of Melissa M. (Clark) Bailey whom he married May 18, 2007.

Born in Reading, he was a son of Randy A. and Donna L. (Mertz) Bailey of Kutztown. Michael was a member of Crossroads Community Church, Weisenberg Township. He was a 1993 graduate of Kutztown Area High School and Berks Career and Technology Center, Oley where he studied auto mechanics. Michael was employed as a manufacturing engineer by Pulse Technologies, Quakertown, for five years, last working on Tuesday. Prior to that, he worked as a machinist at Choice Precision Machines, Whitehall. Michael had a love for racing. He currently raced small block modified cars at Grandview Speedway, where on July 25, he had a strong 2nd place finish in the Berks Products #81 car. He had previously raced at Big Diamond Speedway, Minersville, where he won a twin 20 lap feature.

With his father Randy, in 1998, they also won twin 35 lap features at Grandview Speedway on Father's Day weekend. Along with the #81 car, Michael raced the #80 car and the #1K Dup Motorsports car. He also enjoyed watching quarter midget racing; working on cars, motors and exhaust systems; John Deere tractors; coaching basketball, football, where he coached for the Kutztown-Brandywine Youth Football Association, and baseball, where he coached for Kutztown Youth Athletic Association; and country music. Spending time with his family and children was very important to Michael. He enjoyed taking his children fishing, watching Madison playing basketball, watching Eli "flag" at the races, and watching Reese's attitude and personality blossom.

He is survived by Wife, Melissa; Parents, Randy and Donna; 3 Children, Madison S. Piles-Bailey, Eli M. Bailey and Reese N. Bailey, all at home; Mother-in-law, Candy, wife of Jeff Nilges, Hallsville, MO; Brother-in-law, Robert, husband of Angie Clark, Jefferson City, MO; Sister-in-law Jonni Clark, Holt Summit, MO; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. There are also his four-legged companions, Martini, Rossi, Bandit and Tigger.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2015 at 11:00 AM from Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., 333 Greenwich Street, Kutztown, with Michael's pastor, Reverend Richard A. Fogal, Jr. and Reverend Donald Kerns, Chaplain at Grandview Speedway, co-officiating. Relatives and friends may call Monday evening from 6:30 to 8:00 PM and Tuesday morning from 10:00 to 11:00 AM in Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., 333 Greenwich Street, Kutztown. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions be made in Michael's memory to the Checkered Flag Fan Club, P.O. Box 79, Kutztown, PA 19530-0079. Arrangements are by the Ludwick Funeral Home, Kutztown, PA.