Marion K Balkum

Marion was born January 18, 1925 to Gene Gressett and Dora Elder Gressett in Ballinger, Texas. Marion attended Ballinger High School and was a member of the class of 1942.

She married her husband and lifelong best friend A.E. "Slim" Balkum in San Angelo, Texas on April 3rd, 1950 and began her long journey and career as a wife and mother to three oilfield men.

Marion Balkum known by many as "The Candy Lady" and, or "Momma B" was respected and loved by all who knew her. She loved the Lord and practiced the life of a Christian in her compassion, kindness, and respect of all people regardless of race or skin color. Marion made and sold homemade candy in the 1970's to help purchase draperies for her church, Oaklawn Park Baptist Church in Midland Texas. It is believed that she made and sold over fifty varieties of candies and baked goods, but some claim to have eaten over a hundred different tasty treats from her kitchen on Sinclair Street in Midland.

Marion was a very loving wife, mother and grandmother. Marion was preceded in death by her husband, A.E. "Slim" Balkum, her daughter Karen Jo Balkum Steele, her daughter in law Sheeda Teresa Balkum, five sisters and one brother.

She is survived by her sons, Wiley Balkum of Tow, Texas, Wesley Balkum and wife Debra of Colorado City, Texas; five grandchildren, Kathy Brackeen and husband Clint of Waco, Texas, John Robinson and wife Amy of Little Elm, Texas, Kelly Robinson and wife Lacey of Plano, Texas, Matthew Kuzmich and wife Daniella of Grand Prairie, Texas, Aleni Barker of Carlsbad, New Mexico; five great grandchildren and brother Jim Gressett and wife Aileen of Dallas, Texas along with numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will host a Visitation at Ellis Funeral Home in Midland, Texas on Thursday, July 28 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, July 29 at Johnson’s Funeral Home Chapel located at 435 W. Beauregard Ave in San Angelo, Texas. Interment will follow at the Balkum family plots located at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens, 4889 FM 1223 in San Angelo, Texas.

Pallbearers will be: John Robinson, Kelly Robinson, Matthew Kuzmich, Aleni Barker, Jacob Lockhart, Jordyn Lockhart, and Clint Brackeen.