Vincent E. Bazemore

Vincent E. Bazemore

November 11, 1931 – March 19, 2021

 The fourth oldest of six children, Vince was born in Omaha, Nebraska, to James Cecil Bazemore, Sr. and Margaret Ann (Belt).

Vince met the love of his life, Louise Gillotte, when he was just 13 years old and both were students at Tech High in Omaha. They married on March 30, 1952, and as they approached their 69th wedding anniversary this year, they cherished every morning over coffee together. His support and love for his wife is admired by so many.

Vince enlisted in the United States Air Force from 1952 to 1955, deployed in Korea and Japan jet service, working on the gunnery team and ultimately competing and winning titles for team USA based out of Las Vegas. Vince was proud of his ability to adapt to the culture and learn the Japanese language, bringing those memories and stories of serving back to his family.

The Bazemore family grew in 1959 with the birth of their first daughter, Denise, followed in 1962 by the birth of their second-oldest daughter, Debra. Vince and his wife, Louise, have lived out the rest of their enriched lives in the home that they built themselves.

Vince had a successful career in life insurance and retired as a Regional Vice President of Midland National Life Insurance Company, based out of Sioux Falls, SD. It spanned many decades and resulted in a broad base of clients and colleagues he continued to keep in touch with during his retirement years.

Upon their grown daughters marrying and focusing on thriving careers and families of their own, Vince and Louise spent time with his oldest two grandchildren, Jessica and Kurt, taking many road trips with and seeing the country when they were small children. A little later in life, two more granddaughters, Sadie and Emma,  were added to the family, rounding out the adventures.

As time would have it, Vince and Louise suffered the tragic loss of their son-in-law, Steven Parsow, in 2008. They have kept his memory alive by supporting the efforts of their daughter Debra’s work with the Omaha Parks Foundation and the Steven S. Parsow playground in Elmwood Park.

The many loves of Vince extended well beyond his family and career. He would attend Nebraska football games, being an early adopter of Husker Football season tickets, regale stories of history, plan road trips, and work on his many collections. He had a beautiful harmonizing voice for singing and loved to share songs with his loved ones. He spent many days with Louise just watching horse racing or tennis matches, making and telling jokes, and searching ancestry to further his legacy.

Vince was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Ann (Belt), and his father, James Cecil, Sr.; three brothers: James “Jim” Cecil Bazemore, Jr., Robert “Bob” Bazemore, and Donald Bazemore; two sisters, Ann (Bazemore) Naimie and Betty (Bazemore) Barber; two brothers-in-law, Max Gillotte and LeRoy Gillotte; and his son-in-law, Steven S. Parsow.

Vince is survived by his wife, Louise Bazemore; his daughter, Denise Friesen (Roger) and their four children Jessica (Ty) Hickok, Kurt Vincent (Kayla) Friesen, Sadie (Ethan) Hall, Emma (Andrew) Bayly; his daughter, Debra Parsow (Michael Preston); Eleven great-grandchildren: Jacob and Collin Hickok, Easton, Olivia, and Owen Friesen, Chloe and Stanley Hall, Hunter, Bennett, Crew, and Calia Bayly, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Vince offered sage advice to his children and grandchildren when dealing with the lemons of life, simply stating that you should never waste a day feeling sorry for yourself. For if you can do the following three things; 1) wake up, 2) eat, 3) think, then the day should be considered special. Sadly, Vince’s ability to do those three things came to an end when he experienced cardiac arrest. However, we will never forget and always remember the special days we had with him over the 89 years that he shared with us.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

In place of flowers, donations in Vince Bazemore’s name can be made to Elmwood Park; Steven S. Parsow playground at the Omaha Parks Foundation (www.omahaparksfoundation.org); or SOS Marriage Care of Omaha (www.sosmarriagecare.com).

 

22 Comments

  • Luna Okada and Wynn Sheade Posted March 20, 2021 8:04 pm

    Our hearts are heavy with passing of Mr. Bazemore. We send our condolences to Mrs. Bazemore, Denise and Roger, Debra and the entire family.

  • Diana Mertins Posted March 20, 2021 8:30 pm

    I am heartbroken for your loss.

  • Deborah Apostol Posted March 20, 2021 9:28 pm

    Dear Denise and family, I’m so sorry to hear about your dad. May God hold you and your loved ones up, especially tight, during this difficult time and the challenging days ahead. Your dad sounds like he was an amazing man. One in a million! Great write up!
    Much love and prayers!❤️🙏🏻 Debbie

  • Teresa Mabary Posted March 21, 2021 6:40 am

    I am so sorry for your loss. What a great legacy Vince left to the world! He was a great man and will not be forgotten. Love from the Mabarys.

  • Patricia Hudson Mills Posted March 21, 2021 8:50 am

    My thoughts are with you at this sad time Denise and family. Your father had a wonderful life. Cherish the memories.😍

  • Peggy Helveston Posted March 21, 2021 9:30 am

    Louise, Denise, Debra and family,
    My husband Jim and I are sending our thoughts, prayers and love at this time with the passing of Vince. I have admired and loved this beautiful couple since meeting them once my nephew Ty married Jessica. I always enjoyed our talks about sports and being given a tour of Omaha with Vince as our guide. I have told my husband how fondly I think of Vince and Louise and I always will. I hope that all the wonderful memories your family has will give comfort now and in the future. What a wonderful life and legacy Vince has left for his family. Rest in peace Vince. Peg and Jim Helveston

  • Rebecca Newberry Posted March 21, 2021 10:37 am

    Knowing Vince was a blessing in my life. His friendly manner and easy laugh made me feel welcome as part of his circle. I will miss his presence, especially at our neighborhood functions.. my thoughts and prayers are will you all.

  • Steve Bazemore Posted March 21, 2021 12:40 pm

    Vince was a great Uncle, I’m so sorry for your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do. He’ll be missed for sure. Love Steve and Tammy

  • John and Pam Cermak Posted March 21, 2021 5:38 pm

    Dear Louise, our heartfelt condolences on the loss of Vince. He was a wonderful guy and will be greatly missed! Our prayers are with you! God Bless You and your family! John and Pam Cermak

  • Jennifer Crotzer Posted March 21, 2021 6:35 pm

    Iam sorry i guess i met him but sorry for your lose prayers for family and friends

  • Peggy Johnson Posted March 21, 2021 7:04 pm

    Louise, Debra, Mike and Family – Want to send our deepest condolences to you on the passing of Vince. We feel blessed to have met him on several occasions for wonderful dinner conversations. His wit and sense of humor were always so entertaining. He will be deeply missed. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. Peggy Johnson and Bill Krejci

  • Shanna Pogue Posted March 22, 2021 4:27 am

    I am so very sorry for your loss! Loosing a parent is an extremely emotional thing. I’ve learned to take it one day at a time , give yourself grace, allow for the sadness and find yourself stronger living in the beautiful memories of time spent with him here on this earth!!! Sending Hugs and Prayers for Peace!!!

  • Judy Haug Posted March 22, 2021 10:46 am

    Louise and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I so enjoyed visiting with Vince at our monthly (pre-COVID) Omaha National Bank alumni lunches! He was such a genuine, caring person and his love for his family was very evident. He truly was one of the “Greatest Generation”!

  • Stephenie Bazemore Poorker Posted March 22, 2021 1:10 pm

    Vince was a one of a kind family member. I have a few memories from when i was younger and they are something i will treasure for a life time. Louise and family, my thought and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Love, Stephenie

  • Patty Niedermyer Posted March 22, 2021 7:12 pm

    What An Incredible. Happy 😃 Man. He Was A Great Father. Husband and LEADER. The Best Of The Best.
    So Very Very Sorry 😐.
    Sincere Condolences To All The Family.
    Prayers Prayers Prayers To All The Family.

    Patty & Tom NIEDERMYER.

    MAGNOLIA IOWA. / Pisgah Iowa. Area.
    Love 💚🍀☘️ To All The Family.

  • Shirley Nielsen Posted March 23, 2021 8:25 am

    Vince was a delightful and caring individual. I worked with Vince for many years and he was always very supportive and always ready to help me further my career. I owe him so much for his teachings and his compassion. I am so sorry, Louise and family, but I know you have so many wonderful memories to make you smile and laugh in the very near future. He was a giant of a man. And was so important in my career. I thank him for his guidance and advice. I always knew he was so very wise.

  • David Parsow Posted March 23, 2021 10:53 am

    To the entire Bazemore family. My heart goes out to you at the loss of Vince. He was always so kind when he and Louise would come into the store to see their beloved son-in-law, my brother Steven. His smile and kindness live on.

  • Sherry Rydberg Posted March 23, 2021 1:06 pm

    Vince was a life-long friend of my Father, Eddie Rydberg. They went to the school together and Vince knew my parents when they were dating! Vince shared many stories from their youthful days. I grew up next door to Vince’s parents, I fondly remember Grandma Bazemore and her black lab, Sarge. I have always known Vince to be a very caring, wise and funny man. Deepest Sympathies Louise, and all other family members. RIP Vince – you will always be remembered!

  • Darran & Kristi Newman Posted March 24, 2021 12:51 pm

    Denise & Family, what a beautiful tribute to a well-lived life, and a cherished marriage to Louise. He will be greatly missed by all the grandkids as well. I’m thankful they knew him. I love your papas wise advice to them. Sending our love & condolences.

  • Steve and Joan Ingram Posted March 29, 2021 11:45 am

    Dear Louis, Denise, Deb, and all the family. It was so nice to talk with Vince to RSVP for the Omaha National Bank Alumni luncheons. He certainly loved his family and anything that made you happy Louise. He will be missed. May he rest in peace. Our sympathy to all. Steve and Joan Ingram

  • Donna Kloewer Posted March 30, 2021 6:16 pm

    Dear Louise, Denise and Debra. I just learned of Vince’s death. I am so sorry. He will be missed by many. I remember all the great times we had together. We camped many times at many different places and each has it’s own memories. It was the Bazemore’s that convinced us we needed to camp and it was with the Bazemore’s that we had our first night in our new camper. I remember Vince signing around the campfire. He was always ready to visit no matter where I saw him. He was a great guy.

  • Duane and Glenda Wilson Posted April 1, 2021 3:47 pm

    Dear Louise, Denise and Debra. We are so sorry for your loss. Vince was such a personable guy always treating everyone like an old friend. What a beautiful Obituary about his life. It was always evident the love he carried for you Louise and his family. He will be missed by many. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
    Duane and Glenda Wilson

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