Larry Gene Bellis, 83, of Perry passed away peacefully at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown, Iowa, on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
A visitation will be held Saturday, Oct. 26 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home-Perry Chapel at 1721 Park St. in Perry, with a funeral service to follow immediately afterward. Larry’s graveside service, with military honors by the Van Meter American Legion Post No. 403 and U.S. Navy Honor Guard, will be held at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 28 at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel.
Larry was born March 5, 1941, in Fayette, Iowa, to Edward and Lois (Shepard) Bellis.
Larry was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy. He entered the service on March 3, 1959, in Des Moines at the age of 18 and served his country faithfully until his honorable discharge on May 20, 1969, at the Naval Air Station in Glenview, Illinois.
He spent many years as an over-the-road truck driver, a career he enjoyed.
A longtime member of Perry Elks Lodge 409, Larry had a love for Cushman Motor Scooters, country bluegrass music, street rods, and car racing.
He was also an avid traveler, eager to revisit destinations and share his love of those places with others, making him a delightful tour guide.
Larry enjoyed meeting new people and cherished the company of friends, never knowing a stranger.
He is survived by his significant other, Martha Winger of Perry; his children, Craig (Barb) Bellis of Texas, Janise (Kelly) Steffen of Tennessee, Kevin (Diana) Bellis of Des Moines and Rene (Scott) Thompson of North Carolina; four grandchildren, Conner Bellis of Des Moines, Carl Bellis of Texas, Melanie Steffen of Tennessee and Courtney (Gabe) Halsmer of Tennessee; four great-grandchildren, Chloe, Lauren, Logan and Gwen Halsmer; his brother, Steve (Sue) Bellis of Des Moines; and sisters, Sheryl Calhoun and Jean Ann Scigliano, both of Ankeny; and many nieces; nephews; other relatives; and friends.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Buddy Bellis Sr.; and his sister, Erna Warren.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown. Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.
