JAMES HERBERT LAZA Sr.

   BLOOMINGTON - James Herbert Laza Sr., 81, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather went home to be with the Lord on May 17, 2010. He was born May 15, 1929, in Ricardo, to the late Paul and Frances Ozmi Laza.
   He was united in holy matrimony to Shirley A. Means on July 24, 1960. Their union was blessed with two children.
   He was retired from Union Local 790, where he served as a pipefitter and as a business manager. He was an active member of Crescent Valley Baptist Church where he served on many committees and also as a deacon.
   James was preceded in death his parents; his brothers, George Laza, Bill Laza, John Laza, Robert Laza and Ed Laza; and by his sisters, Lillie Ellen Reed and Agnes Perry.
   He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 49 years, Shirley Means Laza; son, Rev. James H. Laza Jr.; daughter, Deborah L. Baker; son-in-law, Alvin Baker; grandchildren, David W. Baker, Elizabeth A. Laza, Joshuah D. Baker, and Jonathan D. Laza; and nine great-grandchildren.
   Mr. Laza served his country in the United States Army during the Korean conflict. James was a member of VFW Post 6074 and a member of Masonic Lodge AF&AM #40 of Victoria. He was a staunch member of the Democratic party. He was a pastoral care volunteer at Citizens Medical Center.
   Visitation will be held at Rosewood Funeral Chapel, 3304 Mockingbird Lane, in Victoria, from 6-8 p.m. today, May 21, 2010.
   Funeral services will be held at Crescent Valley Baptist Church on Saturday, May 22, 2010, at 2 p.m., Rev. Allen T. Coffey officiating. Burial with flag folding under the auspices of the Victoria Veterans Council will follow at Crescent Valley Cemetery.
   Pallbearers will be Rev. James H. Laza Jr., Alvin Baker, David Baker, Elizabeth Laza, Jonathan Laza, and Dan Laza.
   Memorials may be made to Crescent Valley Baptist Church.
   Words of comfort may be shared with the family at rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.