Claron "Monk" Bailey Obituary

 On June 18, 2015 Claron Everett “Monk” Bailey passed away in his home in Queen Creek AZ after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March. Monk was born on April 22, 1938 in Los Angeles CA.  He grew up in Moab Utah and graduated from Grand High School where he was a four sport letterman.  He attended and played football (FB/DB) for the University of Utah from 1956-1960 and was an All-Conference selection in 1959.  After college Monk played with the St. Louis Cardinals (1963-1965).  He also played one year (1966) with the Toronto Argonauts (CFL).   After moving to Long Island NY, Monk played for several semi-pro football teams including the Long Island Bulls, Bridgeport Jets, and the Jersey Jays.  After retiring from football, Monk sold medical supplies and later started his own auto top business.  He continued to coach football part-time and was the head football coach at Floral Park HS and Plainview JFK HS in New York.  He was an assistant football coach at Bloomsburg University (PA), Bucknell University, Hofstra University, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, New Haven University, C.W. Post University, Maritime SUNY, Southern Virginia University, Weber State University, and Dixie State College.  After moving to Queen Creek AZ he was an assistant football coach at San Tan Valley HS.

After joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1966, Monk was an active member until his death.  He had a zeal for missionary work and loved sharing the gospel by befriending and serving others.  He served in several callings in the Church but his favorite was as the Branch President of the Young Single Adult Ward in Plainview NY (1999-2005).  Monk was a kid at heart and loved working with the young adults.  He loved people, his family and the gospel of Jesus Christ.  He is survived by his wife Kristine Soltau and his children, Michell Shane (Mark) of Cody WY, Everett (Robin) of Mesa AZ,  Noel Houghton (Tim) of Aurora IL, Jenielle of Aurora IL, and also by his 12 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by daughter Danielle Gomez, sister Sandra Robinson, and parents Claron and Sue Bailey.