Charles Balsbaugh

Charles W. Balsbaugh, 92, Denver, passed away Friday, Nov. 27, 2009 at 5 a.m. on Nov. 27, 2009 at Peabody Retirement Center, North Manchester.

He was born Oct. 17, 1917 in Miami County to Charles and Emma E. (Doud) Balsbaugh. He was married to Virginia M. (Gilbert) Balsbaugh on Dec. 28, 1941 at the Clear Creek Church of the Brethren, Huntington County, by her father, Rev. Elmer H. Gilbert, and she survives.

Charles graduated from Jefferson Township High School, Mexico. He was a lifetime member of the First Brethren Church, Mexico, and served as deacon for many years.

He served in the Pacific Theater in the Army-Air Corps in World War II. He was a farmer, growing grain and raising livestock in Miami County after studying agriculture at Purdue University. He was also a tomato and apple inspector for the Federal and State Fruit and Vegetable Inspection Service. He liked to read, bird watch and hunt for arrowheads. He loved flying and held a small aircraft pilot's license.

Charles is survived by his wife and three daughters, Jean A. Musselman and husband Donald G., Denver, Linda M. Koenig and husband Jack C., Denver, and Peggy J. Wellsand and husband William D., Denver; his sister, Marguerite A. Buckingham, Warsaw; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; several cousins and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law Herman L. Buckingham.

Funeral services will be at 4 p.m. Sunday at McClain Funeral Home, Denver, with Pastor Bill Cook officiating.

Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery at Mexico, with military gravesite rites.

Friends may call on Sunday between 2 and 4 p.m. at the funeral home.

Donations may be made to the First Brethren Church at Mexico or a charity of your choice.