Final Salute

Zilba Lamar Bacus, 82, of Ottumwa died at 1:56 a.m. January 2, 2026 at Ottumwa Regional Health Center.

He was born April 1, 1943 in Davis County to Walter L. and Virginia B. Darnielle Bacus. Zilba married Carol Lynn Amos July 4, 1972.

A 1961 graduate of Ottumwa High School, Zilba served in the U.S. Navy Seabees in Vietnam and was awarded a Purple Heart. Returning to Ottumwa, he worked 31 1/2 years for the Ottumwa Fire Department, retiring as Captain in 2000. He also worked at Gullett Fence throughout his working career.

Zilba attended Way of Peace Ministries and in his retirement he enjoyed woodworking, working on his word search books and buying lottery tickets.

Surviving is his wife, Lynn; their children, Dyette Richmond and Jason Bacus both of Ottumwa; 7 grandchildren, Zachary Dye, Taylor Lynn Miller, Taytum Bacus Brandeberry, Riley Reed, Hunter Bacus, Toby Reed and Jacey Tidball; and 5 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Miriam Hancock and Colleen Black.

His body has been cremated. Visitation will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, January 8th at Reece Funeral Home. Visitation with the family present to greet friends will be from noon until 1 p.m. Friday, prior to the service.

Memorial services will be 1 p.m. Friday, January 9th, at Reece Funeral Home with Chaplain Doug McAntire officiating. Military honors conducted by O.B. Nelson Post #3 American Legion and Walter B. Schafer Post #775 Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Memorials may be made to Disabled American Veterans.