This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

A two-time leading rusher for the Utes and later a defensive back for the St. Louis Cardinals, Claron Everett "Monk" Bailey died at his Queen Creek, Ariz., home last Thursday. He was 77.

Bailey graduated from Grand High in Moab and became a 1959 All-Skyline Conference fullback in 1959, leading the Utes in rushing in 1958 (564 yards, six touchdowns) and 1959 (640 yards, five touchdowns).

He played defensive back with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1963-65 and spent one season with the CFL's Toronoto Argonauts before moving to Long Island and playing semi-pro with the Long Island Bulls, Bridgeport Jets and the Jersey Jays.

Bailey later sold medical supplies and started his own auto top business. He became head football coach at Floral Park and Plainview JFK high schools in New York, and served as a college assistant at Bloomsburg, Bucknell, Hofstra, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, New Haven, C.W. Post, Maritime SUNY, Southern Virginia, Weber State and Dixie State.

Bailey was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March. A service was held June 22 at 3 p.m. at the LDS chapel at 33794 N. Gary Rd. in Queen Creek.

— Matthew Piper

Twitter: @matthew_piper