Robert “Bob” Ballinger, 84, of Excelsior Springs, passed away Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at home following a three year and 8 month battle with Multiple Myeloma cancer.
Bob was born on June 29, 1936 in Mill Grove, MO, the son of Robert Carl Ballinger and Loraine Lowe Emke. He was married to Barbara Patterson Ballinger on November 24, 1957.
Bob served in the United States Army as a Radar Operator Btry 8th Division Artillery APO 34. After returning, he worked for Nisbeth Chevrolet in Trenton, MO, later moving to Excelsior Springs, MO, where the couple raised their three sons. He later opened his own body shop. Bob was a member of the Masons, Shriners, Vets and Elks Lodge.
Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Barbara; his three children, Gary Wayne of Lawson, and Jeff and Chris of Excelsior Springs; one grandchild, Valerie Ballinger of Dallas, Texas; two half sisters, Lounetta (Richard) Payne of Warsaw and Marsha (Jim) Tillman of Lexington; Aunt Maxine of Gladstone; and a sister-in-law, Beverly (Vernon) Trump of Trenton, MO.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Gary C. Ballinger and his wife Jackie; and grandparents, Gussie and Ray Lowe, who took the boys at ages 9 and 11 to raise; also grandparents, Ida and Walter Ballinger.
A memorial visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m., Friday, May 21, 2021, followed by service at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs, MO. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions can be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Our Sincere Condolences
Bob was a great man always treated me like I was one of the family i will miss you my friend but never forget you my you rest in peace and my god bless you and your family. Amen
Dirck Mandl
Ballinger Family…. Prayers for you all during this difficult time. Bob was always such a kind and funny man. He and Gary B would crack me up while at the lodge with their funny and crazy antics and conversations.
Ila Grass
Bob was a man that I looked up to. His talent was second to none, which he proudly passed onto Jeff, Gary, and Chris. He was very well respected as a man, father, and as a friend! My heart goes out to the Ballinger family, they are such special people … so sorry for your loss.
Danny Williams
Ballinger Family – Sending prayers to comfort you at this sad time. May God hold you tight in his embrace and give you strength.
BJ (Gakle) Rokey
Barbara, my sincerest sympathies to you and your family. Lots of good memories with you and Bob. Praying for peace and comfort at this time.
Linda Bishop
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. I loved taking care of Bob and Barb at the clinic. I miss seeing both of them so much. They both were so loved and cared for by so many. It was a pleasure to know Bob and Barb. Barb did such an amazing time caring for her husband when things were truly difficult. I hope nothing but the best for the family.
With love, Lauren Tracy
Bob always lit up our office when he came into the doctor’s office. He was such a trooper. He will be sorely missed. Praying for you Miss Barbara and the rest of the family.
Jen Reynolds
So sorry to hear of bob,s passing. May the grief lessen in the many memories you have for all the years you had together. We knew he had cancer but hopped he could be here a while longer. Our love and prayers for you Barb and to all the family.
Love, Ann and Kenn Davis
My deepest sympathies. My thoughts and prayers for you Barbara and your family.
Susan McAuliffe
To all Bob’s family, both immediate and extended:
We were so very sorry to hear of your loss of Bob. Sometimes a person becomes a hero of their own life’s story when the disease of cancer attacks them. Bob was such a hero, he accepted what hand life had dealt him and set his path to battle it to the very end. Though God called him home, he left an almost 4 year legacy of being an example to all who knew him as he fought the good fight against cancer. May God give each one of you the strength to continue this earthly walk without him and may God bless your memories of Bob to be as vibrant, bold and full of life as he was. Hold tight, very tight, to those memories, for they are truly a gift from God.
Sincerely, Tom and Karen Lynch
Barbara & family –
Sending our sincere sympathy. What memories we have when seeing you two and visiting when you did live in Trenton for a sort time. God’s Blessing’s to you all.
Robert/Peggy (Veach) Robinson