Balmain

Services for LeRoy Balmain, 86, were held Dec. 23 in Upshur County at Piney Grove Cemetery at 2 p.m. A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church- Bryan at a later date. Mr.Balmain was born in Finley, Okla., on March 25, 1928, to Roy Lee and Reatha (Pool) Balmain, the eldest of eight children. He went home to be with his Lord and Savior at the age of 86, LeRoy and Maurita Nelson were married at the age of 18 after being childhood sweethearts in Hooks. Dec. 22 would have been their 68th wedding anniversary. He was known for his love of God, family, and country. He served in the United States Air Force for 23 years and considered it to be a great privilege to serve his country. His son and grandson followed his lead and also served in the USAF. While in the military the family was stationed in the Philippines where he, his wife, and son were charter members of the first English speaking Baptist church in the Philippines. He always said that one of his greatest honors was being able to shake the hand of Gen. Douglas McArthur.

After retirement from the USAF he wasmanager of the Better Business Bureau for 20 years in Bryan. He also volunteered at Sherwood Nursing Home on Sunday mornings for over 20 years with Lloyd Jones, Lou Carpenter, Karlan Fedora, Joyce, Don Parker and others.

He was an active member of First Baptist Church-Bryan where he served as a deacon. He was well-known for his sense of humor and his love of all people. Mr.Balmain is survived by his wife, Maurita of Bryan; son, Gary and his wife, Cindy of College Station; daughter, Debbie and her husband, Gary Banta of Bryan; and his grandchildren: Clinton Balmain and his wife Jenn of League City; David Ray and his wife Kelli of College Station; Kristin Balmain of College Station; Kara Banta of Bryan and eleven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers: Gail Balmain and his wife Ada of Hooks; Emerson and his wife Marie of Hooks; Sisters: Donnie Sue Griffin of Terrell; Gwen Selke of Lubbock; Brother-in-Law: Hubert Nelson and his wife Ellen of College Station and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Dwain, Preston and Jack. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Still Creek Ranch, 6055 Hearne Rd, Bryan, TX or Beautiful Abilities, 3710 Sunny Brook Ln. Bryan, TX 77802.