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BALLING -- Robert "Bob" Joseph Balling passed away Sunday, November 13, 2005. He was born on January 19, 1925 in Albuquerque, NM to Stephen and Marguerite Balling. As a youngster, he spent a lot of time at his grandparents' bakery, The Pioneer Bakery on First Avenue. He graduated from Saint Mary's High School in 1943. He and his buddy, Johnny Livingston, joined the Army right after High School and Bob ended up in Italy and France during World War II. He and his unit were captured by the Germans in France. His time as a POW was spent in Germany and he returned home safely when the war ended. After that, he worked for Mountain Bell, starting as a lineman. When he retired in 1982, he was a supervisor in the Direct Distance Dialing department. His first marriage produced two children. Later, he met and married Wilda Povenmire. They celebrated 49 years of a happy marriage in May of this year. Bob is remembered as a kind man with a lot of patience and understanding. His integrity was unquestionable. His sense of humor remained intact and helped him throughout his life. He was a spirited dancer; he and Wilda burned many a rug at the Elks Club, VFW, and American Legion. After his retirement, Wilda and he took up golf which they enjoyed for many years. Robert is survived by his devoted wife, Wilda; his sister, Antoinette and her husband, Willis Groth and their two children, Pat and Carl; his daughter, Pamela and her husband, Charlie Holloman; his daughter, Barbara and her husband, Allan Ferrin. He has five grandchildren who all loved their Gramps. He is also survived by various in-laws. Robert's friends and family members will miss him. Instead of flowers, we suggest a donation to your favorite charity in Robert's memory. Services will be held Thursday, November 17, 2005, at 11:00 a.m., at French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel. Interment will take place at 1:30 p.m., at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Friends may visit French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel, Wednesday, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. French Mortuary 1111 University Blvd. NE 843-6333
        Published on: Tue November 15, 2005