Laurie Vyrl "Junior" Baltzell, Jr.

Funeral services for L.V. Baltzell, Jr, 94, of Sperry, were held Friday, October 6, 2017 at Sperry Christian Church in Sperry, OK and Graveside services were held Saturday, October 7, 2017 at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery in Joplin, MO. Pastor Adam Stang officiated. Casket bearers were Charlie “Vryl” Baltzell, Dale Baltzell, Wayne Baltzell, Rick Baltzell, Jon Baltzell, Brad Baltzell and Kevin Baltzell.

L.V., lovingly known as Junior, was born March 23, 1923 in Webb City, MO to Laurie Vyrl Sr. and Lena (Walker) Baltzell. He passed away October 3, 2017 in Sperry, OK.

Junior married Ruth Lorane Forste on July 13, 1941. He served in the U.S. Army in the Air Forces division from December 31, 1942 to June 12, 1943. Junior had an 8th grade education until the 1980’s when he went back to school and earned his GED. He attended Tulsa Junior College and took computer programming classes. Junior became a member at Sperry Christian Church more than 38 years ago. He loved woodworking, trucking, bowling, watching westerns and women wrestling on TV. But most of all, he loved family.

He is survived by his children, Charles V. and Phyllis Baltzell of Branson, MO, Wayne and Kathryn Baltzell of Overland Park, KS, Jon and Ann Baltzell of Broken Arrow, OK, Dale and Nina Baltzell of Bixby, OK and Kay Rathbone of Owasso, OK.; daughter-in-law, Nita Baltzell of Butler, MO; 18 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; many great-great grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Ruth; sons, Paul and Bobby; and parents, Laurie and Lena (Walker) Baltzell.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to Sperry Christian Church at P.O. Box 549, Sperry, OK 74073.