Oscar Levi Bales, 89, of rural Bloomfield, Iowa passed away on October 27, 2026, at his home. He was born on July 23, 1937, in Davis County, Iowa to Stanley Marion and Florence Elizabeth Carlson Bales. He graduated from Davis County High School in 1957. Oscar served in the Army from 1960-62 and was always proud of his service. On August 24, 1963, Oscar married Janet Holder in Marshalltown, Iowa. Janet passed away on October 18, 2018.
Oscar was a farmer and drove a bus for 55 years. He drove for Davis County Community Schools for 25 years and drove countless kids to their extracurricular activities. He drove for the school system until 1994 at which point he started driving for Ottumwa Coaches. While with them, he drove all over the country and eventually drove in all 48 contiguous states and Canada. He was with Ottumwa Coaches for 30 years. Oscar also loved to travel with Janet and took many trips together over the years. Yellowstone National Park was one of his favorite places to visit.
Oscar had an extensive collection of antique farm implements and enjoyed going to farm sales and auctions. He loved eating at the Catfish Place in Arbela, Missouri. Oscar was a member of the Calvary Open Bible Church of Ottumwa.
He is survived by five children, Annette (Jim Longcor) Phillips of Osceola, Iowa, Bonnie Bales of Centerville, Iowa, Corey Bales of Floris, Iowa, Denise (Jose Jr.) Maes of Bellevue, Nebraska, Daniel (Noelle) Bales of Bloomfield; seven grandchildren; eight honorary grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; brother, David (Diane) Bales of Bloomfield; sister, Christina LaPoint of Ottumwa, Iowa; special friend, Judy Sales; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; brother, Duane and his wife Thelma Bales; sister, Alice and her husband Don Walthers; and brother-in-law, Richard LaPoint.
Oscar’s wish was to be cremated. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 6, 2026, at the Rouch Cemetery in Davis County with Pastor Jan Lasley officiating. Military rites will be performed by Reed-Whisler Post #78 of the American Legion. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the Davis County Look to the Stars Cancer Foundation and may be mailed to: Oscar Bales Memorial, Wagler Funeral Home, 304 W. Jefferson St., Bloomfield, Iowa 52537.
