Jeffery Russell Bazyn – (Jeff)

                      Jeff was born in Waterloo, IA on February 19th, 1966 to parents Henry R & Linda J Bazyn. He passed away peacefully in his sleep holding the hands of his loved ones at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO on June 16th, 2025 at 59 years young. He fought a valiant battle with multiple health issues stemming from his time spent in service to his country. Jeff was eager to sign up to serve his country, joining the Army in Des Moines, Iowa on September 24th, 1984 and graduating in December of 1984 from Fort Leonard Wood, MO. He was a US Army Combat Engineer, serving multiple tours during the Gulf War in both operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. (1990-1991) He proudly served 9 years in the Army and Army Reserves under multiple commands serving as a bridge crewmember, mechanic, and combat engineer before being honorably discharged on May 4th, 1993.

             Jeff’s fierce love for his country never wavered and was matched with his deep belief in God. He joined multiple churches over the years and enjoyed sharing the Good Word with many people he met throughout his life. He recently had gone through RCIA and joined the Catholic Faith at St Agnes on March 30th, 2024. He had invested 7 years in his sobriety. He was on an AA Board and was active in his groups. He had his own sponsor and enjoyed sponsoring others. He was happy to share his struggles or listen to other’s stories in efforts to support and love the people he met along their sobriety journeys. He also had a lifelong love for his beloved KC Chiefs dedicating one full room of EVERY home he had to display his collections. He loved the KC Royals, fishing, ranching, animals, and his family.

             One thing to remember about Jeff was his love, want, and need to help others. Jeff did not need to work as he was lucky enough to survive on his disability income, yet he still stayed busy volunteering where he could. His love for children had him working as a floating Medical Assistant for Mercy Pediatrics. He also proudly volunteered his time during the winter at Salvation Army’s Harbor House in Springfield to keep the cold weather, overnight shelters open for Springfield’s unhoused men. This provided them with a safe and warm place to stay for the night and gave Jeff a chance to meet and connect with them. He truly had a robust life, facing multiple difficulties throughout. He was overcoming them through his faith in God, his sobriety, and with his desire to help wherever he could. Jeff touched numerous lives throughout his journey and there are many people from all different facets of his life that will miss him dearly.

             Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Russ 42, younger brothers, Brian 35, Tim 30, his grandparents, aunts and uncles. He is survived by his mother, Linda 77, sister, Sherri 49, niece, Sara 30, nephew, Dakota 24, and a great niece, great nephew, and uncle. As well as many cousins, friends, and coworkers. He also leaves behind his two beloved Chihuahuas, Chloe and Loki.

             A funeral mass will be held at the family’s church, St Agnes Roman Catholic Cathedral at 533 South Jefferson Avenue, Springfield, MO 65806 at 10AM Friday June 27th, 2025. Immediately following is a luncheon next door at the St Agnes school cafeteria. This will be a great time for everyone to come together and share their stories, memories, and love for Jeff. All are welcome to come grieve and celebrate a full life lived by a man who gave so much to this world. His ashes will be laid to rest in the Veterans Wall at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery at 5201 South Southwood Road, Springfield, MO 65804, at a later date.

             In lieu of flowers, the family asks for a donation to be made in Jeff’s Honor to the Salvation Army Harbor House at 636 North Boonville Avenue, Springfield, MO 65806