Edward James Bala

July 1, 1941 – August 11, 2025

Edward passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family. He served his country at a Nike missile site in South Korea before beginning a remarkable 43-year career with The Boeing Company. Starting at the Renton plant in the Mock-Up Area, his dedication and skill led him to work on special projects, manage teams in Seattle, and eventually retire from the Everett plant in 2008.

Edward’s life was filled with passions that brought him joy and connected him to others. He loved fishing the Green and Cedar rivers, discovering the Potholes in Moses Lake, and exploring the waters of Ellensburg. Some of his happiest moments were spent teaching his grandchildren—Reid, Erik, and Derynn—to cast their first lines, and later cheering on ALL of his grand and great grandchildren in baseball, soccer, and wrestling.

As a young kid in Detroit, he and his brothers learned to play pool and became an avid player. Edward was also a devoted bowler, competing in tournaments for many years, he proudly celebrated the day he bowled a perfect 300 game.

In 1967, Edward married the love of his life, Earline, whom he met at Boeing. Together they shared 58 years of marriage, building a beautiful family and a life full of love, laughter, and treasured memories.

Edward is survived by his wife Earline; children Roy Morrison-Bala, Ray Morrison-Bala, and Chad (Stephanie) Bala; grandchildren Erik (Natasha) Bala, Ellen (Caleb) Newman, Riley Oswald-Bala, Reese Oswald, Reid Bala, Derynn Bala, Cade Bala, Olin Bala; great-grandchildren Dash, Tommy, and Duncan; sister Francis Little; nieces Anne (Jesse) Miracle, Ashley (Andrew) Cook and Claudia Griffin; nephew James (BJ) Griffin Jr.; and many other nieces, nephews, and cousins in Detroit. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Dorothy Bala and brothers John and Patrick Bala. Edward had a very large extended family and was Papa, Uncle and Grandpa to many.

Edward’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. He was a man of kindness, dedication, and quiet strength—always ready with a smile, a fishing pole, or a word of encouragement. May your next cast be in peaceful waters, Papa.

The family will gather at a later date to celebrate Edward’s life at St. Stephen, with burial at Tahoma National Cemetery. Details will be shared at a later date. The family is deeply grateful for your love, prayers and support during this time