Thomas R. Balsley

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” Psalm 23:6

Tom was born on August 27, 1942, in Connellsville, PA, the son of Ray and Frances (Fogle) Balsley. He graduated from Connellsville High School and then joined the United States Navy and was stationed in Norfolk, VA. He was recruited by McDonnell Aircraft in St. Louis, which produced the F4 Phantom II for the Navy. He worked for Ameren UE at the Portage De Sioux power plant. Upon his retirement he moved to Columbia and was employed by the City of Columbia at their power plant.

Tom loved music, playing his cornet, and attending concerts (St. Louis, Washington, D.C., New York, and Columbia). He enjoyed driving convertibles, collecting coins, and going on family vacations.

Tom is survived by his wife, Ruby; two daughters, Anne Balsley and Traci (Joey) Holmgren; two granddaughters, Kayla and Lauren; one sister, Helen Bowser of Indiana, PA; one sister-in-law, Lois George of South Bend, IN; and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Private family services will be held on Wednesday, August 17, 2022 at Memorial Funeral Home. Burial with full military honors to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to: The Crossing Church, Columbia, MO; Boone Health Hospice, Columbia, MO; Wounded Warrior Project; or Lewy Body Dementia Association (lbda.org).