Obituary of Andrew L. Baily

Andrew “Drew” Baily was born August 17, 1979 in Yankton, SD to Gregg & Laurie Baily. Drew graduated from Crofton High School in 1999. While in high school, he participated in football, basketball and golf. Growing up, Drew played youth baseball for Fordyce and Beaver Creek. After high school, Drew moved to Yankton and worked at Abilities Building Services until his death. Drew was active in Yankton Special Olympics for over 25 years, participating in basketball, softball and bowling. He was named MVP once during his career. Drew also enjoyed archery. For over 15 years, Drew was a staff member at the Jaycees camp for the exceptional until its closing in 2005. Even after the camp closing, he continued to be an active Jaycees volunteer and was honored with the Jaycees "most supportive" volunteer in 2009. Drew was also a board member of "Yankton Connections," an organization under the United Way. Sports were Drew's driving force. He attended endless sporting events for Yankton High School, Crofton High School and Mount Marty College. Drew would always be seen walking the north side of Crane/Youngworth Field or sat in the corner of the west bleachers at the Summit Center. In 2014, the YHS Basketball team named Drew the "Most Valuable Fan." Drew was most passionate about the Minnesota Twins and Vikings, as they both were the typical topic of his conversations. He always knew who was drafted or traded and would call and inform whomever he knew it would effect. In recent years, Drew's body started to fail but his mind stayed sharp. If Drew met you once, he would always remember your name and what your favorite sports team was, even if the team wasn't one of his favorites. He was always ready to "talk business" and he always had the great ability of having you leave with a smile on your face. To commemorate Drew's final "at-bat," we encourage everyone to join us in the celebration of his life by wearing Drew's or your favorite "sports" gear to the visitation and funeral. Whether you support the Twins, Vikings, Yankton Bucks/Gazelles, Crofton Warriors, Special Olympics, MMC Lancers, or your own home team, we want to see you show your sports pride just like Drew always did. Drew is survived by his parents, Gregg and Laurie Baily of Crofton, NE; brother, Eric Baily and fiancé, Kendra Neugebauer of Crofton, NE; sister, Nicole Baily of Yankton, SD; grandparents, Charlie and Nancy Boynton, of Bath, SD, Helen Baily of Yankton, SD; Robert Baily of Parker, SD; along with several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Drew is preceded in death by step grandmother Viola Baily. In lieu of flowers, donations and memorials can be given to Yankton Connections, 817 Douglas, Yankton, SD 57078 or Yankton Special Olympics, c/o Sheri Duke- Head of Delegation, 114 Lakeview Terrace, Yankton, SD 57078.