Bobby Gene Baze was born August 20, 1930 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Charles and Virgie (Decker) Baze, one of eleven children. The family moved to Shafter and Bob attended Shafter elementary schools and graduated from Shafter High School. Bob married his high school sweetheart, Vivian Handel right before he left for the Korean Conflict. He returned to Shafter where they made their home until Bob's job took him to Fresno in 1962. Bob worked selling gypsum and also bought his first almond orchard on Brawley Avenue. In 1969 the family moved back to Shafter and bought the orchard on Magnolia Avenue in Wasco that has been the setting for many gatherings of family and friends, and the place Bob loved to be. Bob and Vivian were active members of the Ebenezer Reformed Church of Shafter and served in many other community projects. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Virgie Baze; 9 brothers and sisters. He was also preceded by many loved sisters- and brothers-in-law, nephews and his beloved great-granddaughter, Jaclyn Chenard. Bob has a large circle of family and friends who will miss him because he took the time to let them know that they were special to him. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Vivian of Wasco; daughters, Kathleen Barnett and husband Ron of Alameda, Marianne Hockett and husband, Brian of Shafter; 6 grandchildren, Stephanie and Aimee Chenard, Tyler, Zachary, Laura and Melanie Hockett; sister, Gertrude Sowder; and many other loving family members. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 20 at 10 am at Ebenezer Reformed Church for Bobby Gene Baze, age 77, of Wasco who passed away peacefully February 15, at home with his family at his bedside. Pastor Vernon Pollema will officiate the service and interment will follow at Shafter Memorial Park. Visitation will be held Tuesday, February 19 from 5pm – 7pm at Peters Funeral Home and Wednesday, February 20 from 9am until service time at Ebenezer Reformed Church. Please sign Bob's guest book at www.goldenvalleymemorialcare.com.