Larry Ray Bloebaum

Mr. Larry Ray Bloebaum, age 89, of Jefferson City, Mo. passed away Sunday, July 20, 2025, at the University Hospital in Columbia, Mo., surrounded by family.

Larry was a devoted husband, loving father, proud veteran, and hardworking man who lived a life full of purpose, dedication, and quiet strength.

He was born on April 26, 1936, in Mokane, Missouri, to John Lee "Jack" and Frances Pearl (Beatty) Bloebaum. After graduating from Jefferson City High School in 1954, Larry answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Army. He was stationed in Germany, where he and his wife, Mary Routh Mankin, welcomed their first child.

Larry and Mary were married on July 17, 1957, and recently celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary. Together, they raised three children and built a life full of love, hard work, and shared memories.

After his military service, Larry pursued his education, first at Lincoln University and then Columbia College, where he earned his bachelor's degree. He worked briefly for the Missouri Pacific Railroad and later for the State of Missouri, where he mapped caves for potential bunker sites. Eventually, he found his dream job as a Planning Engineer at McDonnell Douglas, where he worked for 18 years until his retirement in 1981.

Even in retirement, Larry stayed busy. His love for airplanes led him to spend five years building his own plane in his garage. He was always drawn to technology and tools and enjoyed spending time in his workshop-or browsing the aisles at Harbor Freight. He also enjoyed camping trips with his family, RV travels out west, and weekends at the family house on the lake. Some of his favorite moments were spent on a tractor ride with the kids or driving the backroads to show them where he grew up.

Larry had a deep appreciation for music and was a proud member of the internationally recognized Ambassadors of Harmony, singing baritone. He loved listening to barbershop music and jazz, sharing that joy with others. He also enjoyed being outdoors, especially surrounded by trees and nature.

He was known for his dry sense of humor, strong work ethic, and generous spirit. He had a deep interest in history, particularly World War II and the Civil War, and was always willing to share what he knew. Larry was a kind and thoughtful man who quietly gave back to others and made a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

His legacy will live on through the many lives he touched-with love, with laughter, and with the steady presence he offered throughout his life.

Survivors include his loving wife, Mary; two children, Deborah Hall (Richard) of Holts Summit, and Larry E. Bloebaum of Jefferson City; four grandchildren, Leann Wilbanks, Pierce Bloebaum (Sabrea), Liam Bloebaum, Riley Bloebaum; one great granddaughter, Genevieve Maness; two great-great grandchildren, Jasper and Alice; and one sister-in-law, Christine Mankin; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Lynda Bloebaum in 1983; his parents; his two brothers, Francis Bloebaum (Barbara), Jon Bloebaum (Carol) and one brother-in-law, Benjamin "Bullet" Mankin.

Visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 4:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Friday, July 25, 2025.

Funeral services will be conducted at 6:00 p.m. Friday, July 25, 2025, in the Freeman Chapel with military honors following his service. Private graveside services and interment will be held at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens.

A webcast of Larry's service will begin at 6:00 p.m. Friday for friends that are not able to attend by going to his memorial page on Freeman Mortuary's website.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Dr. Tamara Hopkins Patient Assistance Fund, P.O. Box 95, Jefferson City, Mo. 65102 or Friends of the Jefferson City Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 10539, Jefferson City, MO 65110.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary.