Pawnee — Larry LeRoy Blum, 79, of Pawnee, Illinois, passed away Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, at Springfield Memorial Hospital in Springfield. Larry was born 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. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A 1964 graduate of Triopia High School, Larry went on to earn a bachelor's 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.

Larry 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.

Larry is survived by his wife of 43 years, Linda Blum, of Pawnee; two sons, Stephen D. (wife, Shannon) Blum of Chatham and Neil A. Blum of Springfield; two grandchildren, Elizabeth and Logan; his twin brother, Gary E. (wife, Gerry) Blum, of Beardstown; one sister, Karen (husband, Mark) Osborn, of Hillsboro; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Larry's family will meet friends from 11:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, at Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee, with Rev. Dave Fox officiating. Burial will follow at Horse Creek Cemetery in Pawnee, with the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County providing military honors.

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.

Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee is honored to serve the family of Larry Blum. Online condolences may be shared at www.curryfh.com.