Cooper, Jennifer, and Hudson Bailey

A Celebration of Life for Cooper Bailey, Jennifer Salazar Bailey, and Hudson Bailey of Paradise, Texas, will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Decatur.

Cooper, Jennifer, and Hudson Bailey passed away together on March 14, 2026, in Cooke County, Texas. Their family and friends remember them with love and cherish the time they shared with them.

Cooper James Bailey was born on October 25, 1994, in Gainesville, Texas, to Walter Bailey and Michelle (Smith) Hamilton. Throughout his life, Cooper was dedicated to his work as a truck driver and a firefighter, professions that reflected both his commitment and his adventurous spirit. He had a genuine love for life and approached each day with enthusiasm, but his greatest devotion was reserved for his family.

On September 20, 2025, Cooper married Jennifer Salazar Bailey in Bowie, Texas. Although their marriage spanned only five and a half months, Cooper and Jennifer had shared a close and loving partnership for ten years prior to their wedding. Together, they built a life filled with joy and laughter.

Cooper enjoyed spending time outdoors, fishing, camping, hunting, and riding four-wheelers. He had a playful side, delighting in scaring people and pulling jokes on friends and family. Cooking meals and making new friends were among his favorite activities, and he was well known for his generosity and humor. His dedication as a firefighter was recognized when he was honored as firefighter of the year, and his reputation as the best prankster brought smiles to those who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his wife and son; father, Walter Durant Bailey; grandparents, William and Rosie Bailey; great-grandparents, Harris Douglas “HD” Barfield, Dorla Jean Barfield, Tolbert “Buddy” Smith, and Joyce Marie Smith; uncle, Melvin Bailey; and aunts, Louise Barron and Peggy Smith.

Those left to cherish Cooper’s memory are his daughter, Lilah Jade Bailey; mother, Michelle Hamilton and husband Tony; brothers, John Douglas Bailey and wife Jennifer and Billy Bailey and wife Jaclyn; sisters, Toni Marie Pasarow and spouse Shad McIntosh, and Sadie Lee Galabiz; grandparents, Buddy and Gale Smith; twelve nieces and nephews whom he loved very much; and a host of extended family and friends.

Jennifer Salazar Bailey, a beloved wife, mother, and dedicated professional, was born on August 16, 1996, in Decatur, Texas. She was the cherished daughter of Manuel and Ana (Piña) Salazar.

Jennifer was well known in her community for her hard work and passion for early childhood education. She served as the co-director at Learning Ladder in Decatur. She earned her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, completed 120 additional hours to fulfill state requirements, and achieved her director’s certificate—a demanding and rigorous course that qualified her to hold a director’s certificate for the state of Texas. Jennifer was committed to providing quality care and education to children, demonstrating her love for nurturing young minds every day through her work.

Jennifer enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. She loved reading books, watching movies, and had a fondness for iced coffee. Most importantly, she treasured spending time with her children, especially enjoying outings to the park where she could watch them play and share wonderful moments together.

Jennifer is preceded in death by her beloved husband and son; her grandparents, Pablo Piña Ramirez, Rosa Rios de Piña, Francisco Salazar Valdez, and Maria Jesus Valenciano de Salazar; great-grandparents, Manuel Salazar Juantos, Rita Valdez, Julio Piña, and Sixta Ramirez; uncles, Juan Jesus Salazar Valenciano, Binicio Piña, Gerardo Piña, Jose Oscar Piña, and Pablo Piña; and her aunt, Rita Maria Salazar Valenciano.

Those left to cherish Jennifer’s memory are her daughter, Lilah Jade Bailey; parents, Manuel Teodoro Salazar and Ana (Piña) Salazar; brother, Manuel Salazar Jr.; sisters, Rosa Maria Salazar and Ana Karen Salazar Gonzalez and husband Jose; nephews, Michael and Emilio Gonzalez; niece, Allyson Gonzalez; and many friends and extended family.

Their son, Hudson James Bailey, was born on October 22, 2020, in Decatur, Texas. Hudson was a special boy who was born deaf, but that never stopped him from doing all the things he wanted to do. He had a joyful nature and found happiness in simple things. He loved playing with anything that could spin, such as pinwheels, balls, tires on toys, and fake flowers in the yard. Swimming and spending time outside were also favorite activities of his.

Hudson had a special fondness for fruit, especially oranges and apples. He was captivated by flashing lights and enjoyed playing with toy cars, favoring remote-controlled models the most. Mickey Mouse and Hot Wheels were among his favorites as well. Hudson was very close to his sister Lilah, who always looked after him lovingly.

Hudson is preceded in death by his parents and grandfather, Walter Bailey; great-grandparents, Pablo Piña Ramirez, Rosa Rios de Piña, Francisco Salazar Valdez, Maria Jesus Valenciano de Salazar; great-grandparents, Manuel Salazar Juantos, Rita Valdez, Julio Piña, and Sixta Ramirez.

Those left to cherish his memory are his sister, Lilah Jade Bailey; grandparents, Michelle and Tony Hamilton, and Manuel Teodoro Salazar and Ana Salazar; great-grandparents, Buddy and Gale Smith; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family members.

Their lives touched many, and they will be remembered for their love, laughter, and the special moments they shared.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be directed either to the Paradise Fire Department (PO Box 97, Paradise, Texas 76073) or to the Deaf Program at Newton Rayzor (1221 Crescent Street, Denton, TX 76201).

© (Hudson & Torres Family Funeral Home)

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