Dick L. Baze

Richard “Dick” L. Baze, age 81, of Centerville, passed away Thursday, October 10, 2019 at his home. Dick was born on May 28, 1938 in Chariton Iowa, the son of Joseph and Geneva (Ryan) Baze. He graduated from Chariton High School with the Class of 1956. Following graduation, Dick enlisted in the United States Army National Guard on May 31, 1956. He was a Tank Driver until May 30, 1959. He was then appointed to an “organized unit” of the National Guard of the State of Iowa on May 31, 1959. He was a Rifle Squad Leader, and earned numerous awards throughout the years. After 10 faithful years of service, Dick was honorably discharged on May 30, 1966 as a Staff Sergeant (E-6). Dick was united in marriage to Prudence “Prudy”  Ann Lindquist on September 4, 1956. To this union, three children were born, Annette, Todd and Tom. Prudy passed away on November 6, 1998. After his discharge from the military, Dick started working at Iowa Southern Utilities in the early 1970’s. He retired in 1995. Dick accomplished over 40 years of civic service during his lifetime. He started in 1962 as a volunteer fireman for the Chariton Fire Department, and eventually became the Fire Chief in Chariton until 1975.  Dick was dedicated to many organizations and boards through the years. Shortly following retirement from ISU, he was elected as the Mayor of Centerville. Dick was also the Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Centerville, and remained in office for some time. He spent 10 years on the Appanoose County Fair Board, and was active in the Appanoose County Heart Committee. Dick spent 30 years as a Boy Scout Leader and Advisor. He was also a past member of the Tenco Board. Left to honor Dick’s memory are his children, Annette (David) Tubbs of Centerville, Todd (Jill) Baze of Centerville, and Tom Baze of Centerville; siblings, Fred (Fern) Baze, Larry (Bobbie) Baze, Gary (Joye) Baze, and JoAnn Putnam; four grandchildren, Jeromy (Amy) Tubbs, Heather (Blayne Wright) Tubbs, Tyler (Heather) Baze, and Andrew Baze; three great grandchildren Alyssa Tubbs, Kennedy Smothers, and Asher Baze; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Dick was preceded in death by his wife, Prudence “Prudy” Baze; his parents, Joseph and Geneva Baze; his step mother, Vernie Baze; and a brother in law, Bill Putnam.  Funeral services will be held at 11a.m., Tuesday, October 15, 2019 at Fielding Funeral home in Chariton Iowa. Visitation will be held an hour prior to service. Burial will follow the services at Chariton Cemetery at Chariton Iowa.  Memorials have been established to the Appanoose County Heart Committee.  Condolences may be shared online at www.fielding funeralhomes.com.

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