Donald Andrew Balder

Donald A. Balder, 71, of Terre Haute, was greeted at the gates of Heaven by Crystal, his beloved Yorkie on March 16, 2013. He was born on April 22, 1941, in Terre Haute, to James and Annie (Ferguson) Balder. He married Rita Stephens on April 28, 1978. Donald proudly served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War on the U.S.S. Antietam. He was an exceptionally talented auto body painter. He loved to work on hot rods. Donald was a lifetime member of VFW Post 972. Donald is survived by his wife of almost 35 years, Rita; children, Donnie Balder and wife Dena of Evansville, Douglas Balder and wife Kimberli of Oswego, IL, and Shawn Balder and wife Loretta of Terre Haute; grandchildren, Cameron and Claire Balder, Kadence and Kimber Balder, and Lilly Balder; brothers Jim Balder of Seelyville and Darrell Balder and wife Sharon of Terre Haute, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Jake Balder. Visitation will be held from 3 until 5 on Friday, March 22 at Roselawn Funeral Home. A funeral ceremony will take place at 5 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home with Pastor Kyle Andrews officiating and military rites performed by VFW Post 972. Cremation will follow and burial will take place at a later date in Roselawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Vista Care Hospice. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.roselawnfuneralhome.net