Claron Everett “Monk” Bailey, Jr

April 22, 1938 ~ June 18, 2015
On June 18, 2015 Claron Everett “Monk” Bailey, Jr. 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, UT and graduated from Grand High School, where he was a four sport letterman in football (All-State honorable mention), basketball, baseball, and track.
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 High School and Plainview JFK High School in New York.
He was an assistant football coach at Bloomsburg University (PA), Pucknell 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 High School.
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 (Mark) Shane of Cody, WY, Everett (Robin) of Mesa, AZ, Noel (Tim) Houghton of Aurora, IL, Jenielle of Aurora, IL; and also by his 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by daughter Danielle Gomez; sister Sandra Robinson; and parents Claron and Sue Bailey.
Cards and flower arrangements can be sent to his home at 1469 West Fruit Tree Ct., Queen Creek, AZ 85142.
Kristine Bailey, wife of the late Claron “Monk” Bailey, would like to extend a request for family and friends of Monk to attend a memorial service to celebrate his life here on Earth.
The honor of your presence is requested Friday, April 22 at 2 p.m. at the LDS church located at 475 West 400 North, in Moab, UT.
Come dressed in your Levis and t-shirt (the Moab garb) and bring your favorite pictures of Monk!