With profound sadness, we announce the passing of our esteemed colleague, K. Ron Bailey. He was a “founding father” of the OACDL, a lifetime member, and a former president. Ron was a remarkable attorney and a dedicated member of our organization. He has left an indelible mark on our profession and those who knew him. He was a mentor to many, always willing to share his wisdom and expertise.
Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family during this difficult time, particularly with his son, Ken Bailey, who carries on his father’s legacy at the Ohio Legal Group in Sandusky
Ron's Obit:
Kenneth Ronald Bailey, born July 30, 1947, in Sandusky, Ohio, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2024, after a lengthy illness.
He went by the name K. Ronald Bailey, but most called him “K. Ron” or “Ron.”
Ron was the son of Kenneth White Bailey and Virginia McClung Sheddan. Ron graduated from Sandusky High School (‘65), where he went on to graduate from Bowling Green State University Summa Cum Laude (‘79). He received his law degree from Cleveland Marshall College of Law (‘82), while working days as a tool and die maker at New Departure where he spent seventeen years.
Ron opened his law practice in Huron, Ohio, at the boat basin, where he started working primarily in criminal defense. He was admitted to practice in the State of Ohio and multiple federal courts and the federal court of appeals. He obtained multiple Not Guilty verdicts on murder cases and other high-profile cases. He was a distinguished trial lawyer, and he was well-known across the state and country in criminal defense circles. He often lectured around the state and country teaching other lawyers how to protect their clients. He was a founding member of the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and a life member of it and its counterpart National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers He eventually moved the practice to downtown Sandusky to the old 3rd National Bank building. His son, Kenneth Richard Bailey, continues to practice law in the same building.
Ron was a long standing member of Faith Church in Sandusky. He was also a Kentucky Colonel like his father before him. His legacy was memorialized in multiple books including but not limited to McCarthy on Cross-Examination and Trying Times.
Ron dedicated 40 years of his life to the practice of law and ensuring that the accused received the best representation possible. He loved automobile racing, painting, and all things French, but he spent much of his spare time reaching out to others. He was passionate about his faith, and he was active in supporting missions and many organizations that helped those in need.
He was preceded in death by both of his parents. Ron is survived by his beautiful wife of 50 years, Lynn Darlene (Kammer) Bailey. His sister Cindy Bailey. His sons Matthew Scott Bailey and spouse Josh Bennett, Thomas Keith Bailey and spouse Rebecca (Jerels) Bailey, Kenneth Richard Bailey and spouse Dawn-Marie (Killen) Bailey. Along with his grandchildren Cora Bailey, Case Bailey, Armelle Bailey, and Avalese Bailey.
Ron was an ardent supporter of organizations helping those in need, and the Bailey family would like to continue this in remembrance of him. CityStrong is establishing a shelter in Sandusky, Ohio, and the Bailey family would like to sponsor a room there in his name. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks that you make a donation in Ron’s name to provide housing and supportive services to local families and children. The suite will be one of many rooms that will provide a safe place of hope for many years to come. All donations given from 7/15-7/31 will be attributed to the K. Ronald Bailey Memorial Suite.
Donations can be sent here: http://housing.ourcitystrong.org
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