Larry Gene Blaha, 75, of Festus died April 11, 2025, at his home. Mr. Blaha was a U.S. Navy veteran. He worked for the Union Electric/Ameren UE Rush Island Plant for 37 years, retiring as a training supervisor. He was a member of the Elks 1721 and attended Good News Community Church. Born Dec. 8, 1949, in St. Louis, he was the son of the late LaVeta Nadine (Kearby) and Oliver Joseph Blaha.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years: Deborah Gail “Debbie” Blaha.
He is survived by a son: Scott (Nancy) Blaha of Festus; a grandson: Austin (Claire) Richmond stationed at Fort Benning, Ga.; two great-granddaughters: Carissa and Cassandra Richmond; a brother: Karl (Diann) Blaha of Festus; a brother-in-law: Gary (Nancy) Schmidt of St. Louis; and numerous other family members and friends.
Visitation is scheduled from 4-8 p.m. Friday, April 18, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main St., in Festus. A funeral service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, April 19, at the funeral home, officiated by Pastor Justin Metiva of Good News Community Church. Burial with full military honors is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Monday, April 21, in the National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks. Memorials may be made to the Larry Blaha Memorial Scholarship at Jefferson R-7 High School. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.