Paul D. Bazhenow, 77, of Creve Coeur, Illinois, passed away on Monday, August 31, 2026, at his residence.

He was born on March 14, 1949, in Peoria, the son of A. Fred and Velma Wood Bazhenow. He married Linday Courtney in 1968, and they divorced. He later married Mary Beth Blundell on September 8, 1984, and they divorced.

Surviving are two children: Heather Bazhenow from Cincinnati, Ohio, and Erik (Jamie Jordan) Bazhenow from Creve Coeur. He is also survived by three wonderful grandchildren—Shereen Berryman of Weatherford, Oklahoma; Mason Bazhenow of Pekin, Illinois; and Nixon Bazhenow of Peoria Heights, Illinois—and two wonderful great-grandchildren, Lucas and Alex Berryman.

Four brothers also survive, including Steve (Carla) Bazhenow of Peoria; Moe (Denise) Bazhenow of Bartonville; Fred (Barb) Bazhenow of Bartonville; and non-blood brother Scott Lowes of Covington, Georgia. One sister, Linda Kaye (Bob) Walsh of Mapleton, Illinois, also survives, along with one daughter-in-law, Eunice Bazhenow of Marquette Heights, Illinois. He was blessed with many nieces and nephews, forming a big, loving extended family, along with numerous cherished friends he considered 'framily.'

Sadly, he was preceded in death by his parents and one niece, Robin Gustafson.

He was a proud U.S. Navy Veteran. After his discharge, he dedicated many years to Cilco, working in plant operations and maintenance from 1968 until his retirement in 1999. 

He enjoyed family and friends, the St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs, shooting pool, and drinking beer (“Busch” in the can), and most of all dispensing his infinite wisdom to his kids, both biological and acquired (“You know who you are”).

The family would like to thank his caring caregiver, Jamie Jordan, whom he loved dearly, as well as the wonderful doctors and nurses at OSF Hospice.

“We would like to take this opportunity to remind family and friends: although his husk is gone, he still lives in us. “

Cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of life is scheduled for Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 1 pm to 6 pm at the American Legion Post 979 in Bartonville. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Affordable Funeral & Cremation Services, Peoria has been entrusted with arrangements. To share a memory or send condolences to his family, visit www.peoriafuneral.com.