Joseph "Buddy" Laza  passed away surrounded by his loving family Thursday, April 8, 2021.

Buddy was born in Palmer, Texas on June 6, 1940 to Joe and Anna (Bednairk) Laza. Buddy served our country proudly in the U.S. Navy. On February 22, 1970, he married Rita Richardson and they spent a wonderful fifty one years together. Buddy and Rita have lived in Alma for the last 22 years. Buddy retired from the Southern Pacific Railroad after serving thirty-one years as a track supervisor. Buddy loved his retirement, farm life, raising cattle, woodworking, welding and gardening. Buddy especially loved driving his John Deere tractor. Buddy was  a proud member of the American Legion.

Buddy is survived by his loving wife of fifty-one years Rita Laza; sons: Gary Liles and his wife, Dianna, Glen Liles and his wife, Dawn; one daughter Sheila Henderson and husband, Mark. Ten grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren. Buddy is also survived by brother Clarence Laza and nephew James Knox.

Buddy is preceded in death by his mother, father, brother Raymond Laza, sisters: Gladys Knox and Sib Laza.

Visitation will be held  Monday, April 12, 2021 at the J.E. Keever Mortuary from 6 to 8 pm with Rosary at 7 p.m.

Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at 10 a.m. at Mt. Olive Cemetery in Scurry, Texas with Father John Dick officiating under the direction of J. E. Keever Mortuary, Inc.