Carroll W. Balser

Carroll W. Balser, 92, of Mansfield, passed away Sunday morning, May 15, 2016, at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital. He was born April 4, 1924, in Letart Falls, Ohio, to the late George Henry and Alice Ellen (Beaver) Balser.

He grew up on the Ohio River and graduated from Racine High School. Carroll was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII where he served his country in the Aleutian Islands. Carroll retired after 42 years of service with Westinghouse Corp. He was a very independent, social man and all around great guy. He was a member of Crossroads Community Church where he served as a greeter. Most importantly, he was a loving husband of 52 years, father and grandfather.

In his free time, Carroll enjoyed camping and visiting the beach. Traveling and listening to country music were favorite activities. Carroll was a member and Past Commander of American Legion Post #16 and a member of the 40 et 8 veterans organization.

He is survived by two sons, Thomas (Terri) Balser and Michael (Gail) Balser, both of Florida; five grandchildren, Jessica, Megan, Stephen, Elijah (Lindsey) and Seth; great-grandchildren, Raiya and Jackson; sister-in-law, Shirley; numerous nieces and nephews; and very special friend and devoted companion, Nadine Sasser. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Maxine "Macky" (Thomas) Balser; and three siblings, George Jr., Shirley, and Lawrence.

The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, May 19, 2016, at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond St., Mansfield, with a 40 et 8 service at 8:00 p.m. The funeral service conducted by Pastor Ron Biddle will be held Friday at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Memorial Park with military honors presented by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail. Memorial contributions may be made to Crossroads Community Church, 1188 Park Avenue West, Mansfield, Ohio 44906.