Gary Baltz

Gary Thoris Baltz, of Springfield, was born on August 1, 1935 at his home in Southeast Missouri in the town of Eminence to Thoris and Madeline Baltz.

Gary retired in 2004 after a long and successful career as co-owner of American Business Systems. Gary was an avid outdoorsman; spending his time fishing the many Ozarks streams and lakes he loved. He was a world traveler and enjoyed the history and cultures of the states and countries he visited. Gary was a Christian and long time member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Springfield.

Gary was married 28 years to the love of his life, Natalie and between them share six children as well as nine grandchildren. Survivors include his wife Natalie of the home in Springfield, his sister Anis and her husband Larry Gunner of Battlefield, his sons G. Rob and Pat Baltz of Mount Airy, Maryland, Bryan and Becky Baltz of Springfield, daughter Michelle Baltz of Springfield, step-son Ancel Buff of Rogersville, Dennis and Leigh Daniels of Ozark, Sheri and Richard Buis of Springfield; grandchildren Corey, Bryan, Maggie, Nick, and Patrick Baltz; Jennifer Canfield and Ryan Avery; and Timothy and Karlee Buff. And many friends and classmates in Eminence, Missouri.

The family would like to thank the staff of "The Manor at Elfindale" for their kind, thoughtful, and compassionate care as well as his caregivers from Hospice Compassus.

A Celebration of Gary's Life will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 18, 2009 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Springfield with Rev. Ellen Brantley officiating. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service. Committal services will be 3 p.m. Friday in New Eminence Cemetery in Eminence, Missouri under the care of Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home. The casket will be closed at all times.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to The Kid's Fishing Clinics c/o Missouri Department of Conservation PO Box 180 Jefferson City, MO 65102

Online condolences can be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.