Lawrence John Balzer of Hooker, Oklahoma passed from this life to eternal glory on September 14, 2022 at the age of 100 years, 8 months and 24 days.

Lawrence was born on December 21, 1921 to John V. and Justina S. Hamm Balzer. Lawrence was a farmer, rancher, and implement dealer throughout his life until his retirement. He was known as the “oldest man in Hooker”.

Lawrence grew up in rural Hooker, Oklahoma, learning farming from his father and multiple uncles. In 1944 he married Martha Wiens and they began farming south of Hooker. To that marriage were born three children, Dr. Larry Balzer, Sandra Balzer and Connie Balzer. In 1966. they built a home and moved into Hooker where he owned Balzer Repair Shop. Martha passed away in 1979.

He married Patricia Bryant Balzer in 1980. She had three adult children, Steve Bryant, Larry Bryant, and Tanya Bryant-Love. They were devoted to each other and to encouraging their blended family.

In 2000 Lawrence moved into the Pioneer Manor in Hugoton, KS due to health issues. This was during the height of the Covid Pandemic, so adjustment was difficult due to visiting and other restrictions. After a fall that left him with incapacitating injuries, he passed from life to Life at Stevens County Hospital.

Preceding him in death were his parents, John and Justina Balzer, his wife, Martha Wiens Balzer, his sister and brother-in-law Evelyn and Dr. Leonard Wall, and Martha’s six siblings and their spouses and son-in-law Charles Brisendine.

Surviving are his three children, Dr. Larry (Gaye Lynn) Balzer of Hooker, Ok, Sandra Brisendine of Liberal, Ks. and Connie (Dr. Dan Brandel) of Coeur d’ Alene, Id. Also surviving are Patricia’s three children, Steve (Donna) Bryant, Borger, Tx, Larry (Kim)Bryant, Tyrone, Ok., and Tanya Love, Marshfield, Wisconsin. Together Lawrence and Pat also have 14 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren

Memorial services will be Wednesday, September 21, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at the Gospel of Grace Church in Hooker with Pastors Chris McFarland and Odie Nunley officiating.

There will be a private family burial in the Hooker Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Gospel of Grace Church or a Christian organization of choice and may be left at Roberts Brother Funeral Home, Box 745, Hooker, Oklahoma 73945.

Condolences may be left at robertsbrothersfuneralhome.com