Richard Logan Balent

Balent, Richard Logan "Skitch", age 77, of Riverside passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 4, 2015, at Miami Valley Hospital. He was born April 15, 1937, in Monroe, MI to John and Maxine (Logan) Balent, who preceded him in death. Richard was also preceded in death by an infant son. Skitch is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Marianne (Bramlage) Balent, of Riverside; his five children, Scott Balent, of Centerville, Mark (Angela) Balent, of Ft. Walton Beach, FL, Paul (Maureen) Balent, of Cincinnati, Matt (Leah) Balent, Canal Winchester, OH, Anne (Nicholas) Patterson, of New York City, NY; two brothers, John (Barbara) Balent, of FL, William (Cathy) Balent, of Waterford, MI; nine grandchildren, Nicholas, Jonathan, Ryan, Katie, Beth, Emily, Lucy, Rachel, Clare and 1 on the way. He was an active member of St. Helen Catholic Church. Richard graduated from The University of Detroit in 1960 with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. In August 1960 he began his civil service career at Wright Patterson AFB in the Flight Dynamics Laboratory. In August 1965 he transferred to the National Air Intelligence Center, then known as the Foreign Technology Division. While at FTD he spearheaded and effort to modify existing computer models to more accurately reflect the performance of modern aircraft engines. Beginning in 1974 he participated in numerous engine exploitations in which he acted as the technical project manager. The results of these exploitations led to a better understanding of aircraft engine performance and aided in the development of modern US front line fighters. In 1985 he was appointed chief of Aerodynamic Propulsion Branch, which he led until his retirement in 1999. Due to his outstanding accomplishments throughout his career he was awarded numerous citations and medals, including the Outstanding Civilian Career Service Award. Prayers will be said at 9:15 a.m. on Monday, March 9, 2015, at the TOBIAS FUNERAL HOME-BEAVERCREEK CHAPEL, 3970 Dayton-Xenia Road at Grange Hall Road. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 a.m. from St. Helen Catholic Church, 5100 Burkhardt Road, Riverside, OH with Fathers David Brinkmoeller and James Bramlage, con-celebrating. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, 2015, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the St. Helen Endowment Fund, 605 Granville Place, Riverside, OH 45431. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.tobiasfuneralhome.com.