Robert James Balch

Bob was born in Springfield, VT on February 15, 1942 to Elizabeth (Balch) Giles and late James Balch. He graduated from Chester High School on June, 1960. After which he joined the United States Navy as a musician for 20 years. His accolades include the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross. During his Navy career time, he met and then married Kay Charley on June 26, 1971. After retirement from the U.S Navy on May 31, 1980, he started college at East Central University in Ada, OK. He graduated with a degree in Industrial Technology with Business Applications on December 19, 1984. He and his family moved to the Austin, TX area where he worked as a computer aided design draftsman up to his death.

Bob was a unique man who made his own path through life doing it his way. He was honest, caring, no-nonsense, and a hard-working man. He was a great husband, a great father, and true friend that a person could always depend on. We all will miss him very much.

Mr. Balch is survived by his wife and two children; Emily Balch, Shannon Balch, and Tasha Narunsky of the Austin area. He is also survived by his mother, brother, sister, and grandchildren; Elizabeth Giles, Frank Balch, Marlene LaVoie, Ian Balch, and Serena Narunsky.

A catered reception will begin at noon on Thursday, April 24, 2014 at Cook-Walden Chapel of the Hills located at 9700 Anderson Mill Road in Austin. The memorial service will begin at 2:00 p.m. following the reception.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Bob Balch’s name to the CJD foundation www.CJDFoundation.org.