Samuel J. Baze

Samuel Jessee Baze, 86, Overland Park, KS, passed away June 2, 2018. Visitation will be 11 a.m.-12 Noon, followed by a Celebration of Life service at Noon on Friday, June 8, 2018 at McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO 64145. Private inurnment at Freeman Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Kansas City Hospice House, 12000 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO 64145.

Sam was born August 20, 1931 near Boonville, MO to Charles and Ora (Scott) Baze. His family soon moved to rural Eldon, MO. At the young age of 14, Sam began his life’s career in retail meat markets as an employee for Gerbes Supermarket in Eldon, later working at other stores. In 1950, Sam moved to Harrisonville where he met his future wife, Wanda Weller. They were married on March 23, 1952 in Harrisonville. On October 1, 1952, Sam was drafted in the U.S. Army and served 15 months during the Korean Conflict as a Sergeant, Third Army, 10th Field Artillery, Battery B, earning two Bronze stars. Upon release from the Army on October 1, 1954, Sam and Wanda returned to Kansas City where he worked for several grocery stores. In March, 1962 he was employed as Meat Department Manager at Payless Grocery at 83rd and Mission Road, Prairie Village, where he remained for the next 29 years. He had many loyal customers. In total, he was in retail grocery for nearly 50 years. Sam also worked as a parttime Executive Chef at Lone Summit Ranch for 21 years where he very much enjoyed the Gibson family and their guests.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers-in law, Larry Adkins and Bob Hocker; sister-in-law, Betty Hocker; and nephew Keith Davis. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Wanda; daughter, Sheri Smith; son, Greg Baze; sister, Charlene Adkins; nieces and nephews Bill and Kathy Hocker; Wilma and Larry Bright, Jesse Woodward; Chester and Susan Hocker, Amy Hocker; Melody and Tim Reed, Jessi Streit, Larry Lawson, Ottie Lawson; Sara Hocker; Sean Hocker; Valerie Thompson; Chris Davis and many friends.