Gary Carl Ballinger, 79, of Excelsior Springs, Mo., passed away Sunday, December 23, 2018 at North Kansas City Hospital in Kansas City, Mo.
Gary was born on May 17, 1939 in Jamesport, Mo. He is the son of Robert Carl Ballinger and Lorane Low Emke. He married Jackie J. Ballinger on March 20, 1959 in Princeton, Mo., who proceeded him in death on April 1, 2018.
Gary enjoyed volunteering many hours to the Missouri Elks Association. His lifelong passion was being a Benevolent and Protective Order of Elk, while achieving the high office of Missouri State President in 2000-2001. Gary was also a three year past exalted ruler of the Excelsior Springs Elks #1001. Gary spent many summers with his friends and family at the Knoxville Sprint Car Nationals.
He is survived by two daughters, Carla (David) Little of Trenton and Cheri Berry of Excelsior Springs; his two adored kitties, Baby and Sweetie; brother, Bob (Barbara) Ballinger of Excelsior Springs; sisters, LouNetta (Richard) Payne of Warsaw, Mo., and Marsha (Jim) Vantellman of Lexington, Mo.; aunt, Maxine (Paul) Ellis of Gladstone, Mo.; brother-in-law, Gary Ferguson of Trenton, Mo.; granchildren, Chad (Vanessa) Kelly of Center Point, Iowa, Bethany Kottman of Trenton, Tyler (Lucy) Greenwood of Kansas City, Chelsi Berry of Excelsior Springs, Randi Berry of Pleasant Valley, and Cole Little of Trenton; eight great-grandchildren, Kyleigh, Rylan, Brayden, Kooper, Hayden, Jhett, Jaxsyn, and Rocky; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He is proceeded in death by his wife, Jackie, his parents, Robert Ballinger and Lorane Lowe Emke, and grandson, Christopher Berry.
An Elks Service will be held on January 5, 2019 at the Excelsior Springs Baptist Church (1500 Rosalea St., Excelsior Springs, MO 64024) beginning at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Elks Benevolent Trust, 15951 Hwy. 11, New Boston, MO 63557.
Arrangements in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.
