Irene, firstborn child of Alfred and Dorothy (Spurgeon) Bailey, was born January 7, 1938, Lamar, Missouri. She passed away on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, in Littleton, Colorado, after suffering a stroke.
In 1952, the family moved from Missouri to Denver, Colorado in search of better opportunities, Irene completed her high school education at South High School, graduating in 1955.
Ms. Smith was mother to David Smith (Adrienne), and grandmother to Michael, Lane, and Cole Smith; and great grandmother to Rylan and Grace. She was preceded in death by her husband Paul Smith, and her parents.
Irene and Paul founded ColoMart Industries, later on the business was renamed Mar-tek Industries, and Irene took over as full owner and president. Their industrial screen-printing business has produced products and parts for medical devices, telephone wiring boxes, and gasoline pumps. In recent years she was very proud that Mar-tek has produced the American Flag and other decal work for NASA rocket launches.
Irene is mourned by her family as well as her four siblings and their families; Dale Bailey (Linda) of Carthage, Enid Lewis (Orv), of Colorado Springs; Leila Koenig (Bruce) of San Antonio; and Dean Bailey (Jo), of Carthage; her nieces, nephews, and many friends and employees.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 28, 2023, at Park Cemetery in Carthage, Missouri.
Online condolences may be made at www.ulmerfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.
