Harold Daniel Ballenger

Harold Daniel Ballenger, born June 14, 1941 in Council Bluffs, IA , passed away peacefully December 26, 2010 with his loving family by his side. Harold was the youngest of four children and born to Harold Augustus Ballenger and Bertha Ann Flannagan. After being raised in Council Bluffs and attending the school systems, Harold was anxious to move to Texas and attend Hardin Simmons University at Abilene, TX, where he would meet his future wife, Bertalena Belle “Bo” Lewis.

After falling in love with one another, Harold and Bo moved to Council Bluffs, IA to start a new chapter of their journey together. Harold was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Council Bluffs who enjoyed singing in the men’s choir, teaching Sunday school and playing in the men’s softball league. Once elected, Harold served as a proud member of the Pottawattamie County Extension Service. Harold was a loyal Rotarian of nineteen years who exuded perfect attendance. Music was a great passion for Harold. He sang in the Omaha Symphonic Chorus, The Southwest Iowa Men’s Chorus, and in the Council Bluffs Evening Musicale. Family time, reading, biking, playing tennis and skiing were favorite hobbies of Harold. After working 46 years at Ballenger Automotive Service, Harold decided to retire in the Spring of ‘2008 and move to Texas where he and Bo could be closer to their children and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Lillian Walton.

Harold will truly be missed by his beloved wife of 48 ½ years, Bertalena “Bo” Ballenger of Leander, TX, sons, Daniel and Julie Ballenger of Rockwall, TX, Bob and Bruny Ballenger of Lorton, VA, and Randy and Briana Ballenger of Leander, TX; grandchildren, Tyler, Cameron, Isabella, Lilia, and Lucas; sister, Lucile Smith of Holdrege, NE and brother, Bill and Sharon Ballenger of Council Bluffs, IA and countless nieces, nephews and dear family members and friends.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, December 28, 2010 from 6 - 8 p.m. at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX. Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, December 29, 2010 at 10 a.m. in the chapel of the funeral home, interment will follow at Austin Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be donated to First Baptist Church of Council Bluffs, 540 1st Avenue, Council Bluffs, IA 51502.