William “Bill” J. Ballenger, Sr., age 78, of Marion, passed away Wednesday, January 07, 2015 in Marion.
Bill was born on May 18, 1936 in Marion, the son of John and Irene (Uhl) Ballenger. Bill retired from Dana Corporation, formerly Eaton Corporation as a Tool & Dye Maker with 42 years of service to the company.
Bill will be remembered for his love of the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. Bill had a cabin in Canada where he spent time doing the things he loved. For many years, Bill was involved with homing pigeon racing. He was a member of the VFW Post #3313, St. Mary Church and was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus.
William is survived by his children: Terry (Tom) Robbins, John Ballenger II, William Ballenger, Jr., Brian (Lynn) Ballenger, Scott (Cammie) Ballenger and Patrick (Traci) Ballenger; 12 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; siblings: Frederick “Jerry” (Jackie) Ballenger, Mark (Lynn) Ballenger, Jane (Irwin) Socoloff and Judy (Jim) Everly; Sister-in-law Candi Ballenger; Companion Linda Sisson; and several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents and a brother James Ballenger.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 11, 2015 at the Gunder/Hall & Folk Funeral Home, 347 West Center St., Marion from 6PM to 8PM; Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday at St. Mary Catholic Church, 251 North Main St., Marion at 10AM with Fr. Thomas Buffer officiating; Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery.
If so desired, donations may be made to the Knights of Columbus or the Marion General Hospital Hospice.
The Gunder/Hall & Folk Funeral Directors, a division of Snyder Funeral Homes, is honored to be serving William’s family and condolences may be expressed at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com