Larry Gene Bellis

Larry Gene Bellis, 83, of Perry, Iowa, passed away peacefully at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown on Sunday, October 20, 2024. A visitation will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Perry Chapel, located at 1721 Park Street, Perry, Iowa 50220 with a funeral service to follow immediately afterward. Larry's graveside service with military honors will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, October 28, 2024, at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel, Iowa. Memorial contributions may be made to the Marshalltown Iowa Veterans Home. Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.

Larry was born on March 5, 1941, in Fayette, Iowa, to Edward and Lois (Shepard) Bellis. Larry was a proud veteran of the United States Navy. He entered the service on March 3, 1959, in Des Moines, Iowa, 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. He is also remembered by 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.