Larry G. Baze

Larry Baze, 82, of Creston, died Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at his home in Creston. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 28 at Powers Funeral Home, 601 New York Avenue in Creston. Pastor Mary O’Riley will officiate. Full military honors will be provided by Theodore J. Martens Creston V.F.W. Post #1797. Open visitation, with family receiving friends will be 10-11 a.m., prior to service on Friday. Burial will be at 1 p.m. May 5, in the Iowa Veterans Cemetery.

Memorials can be directed to the family. Online condolences can be given at www.powersfh.com.

Larry Gene Baze, son of William Joseph Baze and Geneva Nell (Ryan) Baze, was born on July 31, 1940, in Chariton. Larry attended and graduated from Chariton schools. After graduating, Larry served his country as part of the United States Navy.

On Aug. 22, 1958, Larry was united in marriage to Roberta “Bobbie” Frances (Johnson) in Chariton, following his return from boot camp while he was in the Navy. Following his return from the Navy they lived in Chariton for a short time while he worked bartending. The two settled in Des Moines where he began working for Monsanto Chemical. He then worked at the Savory Hotel in the maintenance department as a boiler tender. In 1968, Larry and the rest of his family moved to Creston. Larry worked for Southern Iowa Utilities which later became known as Alliant Energy as a welder, until his retirement in early 2000.

Larry kept busy throughout his life and after retirement including working at Pine Valley, helping with the bowling alley and groundskeeping; at the Creston Theatre, and helping with the Sunday newspaper. Larry enjoyed bowling and he was fortunate enough to bowl a perfect 300 game, golf where he made several holes in one, woodworking and making jewelry.

Survivors include his wife, Bobbie Baze of Creston; his children: Debra Beauvias of Independence, Missouri, Janelle Mitchell of Independence, Kelly Baze of Creston and Barbara (Jeff) Williams of Independence; a brother, Gary (Joey) Baze of Illinois; his sister, JoAnn Putnum of North Dakota; 11 grandchildren: Nathan Padilla, Jason Ford, Rebecca Larocco, Rachel Larocco, William Comer, Terri Williams, Sara Williams, Christy Hyde, Joseph Gaiser, Sandra Baze and Chad Gaiser and 25 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his mother in-law and brothers Fred (Fern) Baze and Dick (Prudy) Baze.