Larry LeRoy Blum, 79, of Pawnee, died on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, at Springfield Memorial Hospital in Springfield.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, Jan. 28, at Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee, with the Rev. Dave Fox officiating. Burial followed at Horse Creek Cemetery in Pawnee, with the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County providing military honors. Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee assisted the family.
Mr. Blum was born on July 1, 1946, in Beardstown, the son of Orville “Dutch” E. and Mary F. Fischer Blum. He married Linda Sue Vangeison on Oct. 9, 1982, at Pawnee United Methodist Church in Pawnee.
A 1964 graduate of Triopia High School, he went on to earn a bachelor degree in accounting from Sangamon State University (now the University of Illinois Springfield). He served in the U.S. Air Force and later worked for the state of Illinois for 38 years, including as an internal auditor at the Illinois Department of Transportation. He retired in 2003.
Mr. Blum was a devoted member of Grace Church in Springfield, where he served as an usher and greeter and assisted with auditing the church’s books. He volunteered with Pawnee’s Daily Bread program, delivering meals to local residents. He loved cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting events and following the St. Louis Cardinals. He was also a member of AFSCME Retiree Chapter 31 and the Arenzville American Legion.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Linda Blum of Pawnee; sons, Stephen D. (Shannon) Blum of Chatham and Neil A. Blum of Springfield; grandchildren, Elizabeth and Logan; twin brother, Gary E. (Gerry) Blum of Beardstown; sister, Karen (Mark) Osborn of Hillsboro; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Mr. Blum was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Church, 3401 S. Sixth St., Springfield, IL 62703, or Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., Springfield, IL 62702.
Condolences may be shared at www.curryfh.com.
