Jack Balty

The May 28th, 1936, issue of the Gate city Journal of Nyssa, Oregon reported, "A baby boy was born to Mr. and Mrs. Howard Balty last Friday." That simple announcement signified the beginning of Jack H. Balty's earthly journey. It left out an interesting fact however. This was during the Great Depression and men like Howard Balty and his brother, Raymond had to go where the work was. The men were working in the fields harvesting potatoes, peas, melons or any other agricultural work they could get and working the right of way for the railroad, so Jack was born in a tent in an itinerant workers’ camp. Jack grew up farming in Kansas and Nebraska using teams of horses and even rode a horse to school at a one-room schoolhouse in North Branch, Kansas. He often conveyed his sisters, Lonnie and Sharon to school in a wagon as well. Jack peacefully joined his late wife, Sandy in heavenly repose on the last day of August 2024 in Nacogdoches, Texas. Jack, the beloved father of three boys was known as “Uncle Jack” to many and "Papa Jack" to many more including dear friends Antonia, Juan and Isabella Garcia who also called him their "Bestie." His sons just called him “Dad” or “Dadster.” Despite his humble birth, Jack's life was rich with love shared with his dear siblings: Lonnie Roberts, who is joined in memory by her late husband Vernon; Sharon Bombard, who along with her husband, Larry, has gone on to glory. His brother, Gary Balty and his wife Juanita, remain and continue to honor Jack's memory. Jack's legacy is carried on through his two younger sons; Leslie Ray Balty and his wife Lisa of Garrison, Texas; and Lyndel H. Balty and his wife Debbie of Rogersville, Missouri. Jack’s eldest, Arden Leigh Balty and his wife Debra of Springfield, Missouri preceded him to Glory. Their families, including his grandsons, Travis Balty and his wife Ashleigh and their sons Brycen and Atticus, Ty Balty with his wife, Hannah, Jevin Balty and Jack’s granddaughter, Christa Nichols with her children, Kezziah (Tim), Aizak, Brennon, and his little great-great granddaughter Harlowe will honor Jack’s memory. His nephews Virgil and Bobby Karnatz, with their wives Pam and Deborah, respectively, and his niece, Erica Hensley, her husband, Brian and their two daughters, Ashland and Amber also hold dear the memory of their Uncle Jack. Jack would not want us to forget his late nieces, Terry Kelly and Charlie Oakes or Charlie’s daughter Brittany Loraine Glenn who resides with her family in Texas. Jack and the mother of his children, Doretta (Dee) Meek divorced in the 1980s but the disunion did not result in the rancor, bitterness and contempt that often accompany such events. On the contrary, in some ways the circle of love continued and even expanded. Jack continued to cherish his former in-laws and their extended families including nieces, Cindy Kuhn and her husband, Ron, Vycke Garman, her late husband, Dan, Kimma and Richie Boyles, and Katy Janz and her husband, Gene. Jack’s former nephews Darrell and Belinda Warner, Ron and Deanna Warner, Carl and Debbie Warner, Randy and Leanna Warner, Ken and Susan Winslow, Kary and Debbie Winslow and Kurbe and Kelly Winslow and their families continued to relate to him with affection as does his former sister-in-law, LaVeta Winslow who resides in Superior, Nebraska and his late former brother-in-law’s widow, Lona-Marie Warner who lives in Aurora, Nebraska. Jack was a man of great wisdom. His expertise served him well in his extensive career in the grocery business. For nearly seven decades, he dedicated his life to the industry, culminating in his tenure with Mitchell Grocery, where he served until the age of 79. His work ethic and dedication to his profession were an inspiration to all who had the privilege to work alongside him, and that is an understatement. Jack’s best friend for over four decades, Benny Brady, passed away last year. Before that, Jack Presented Benny with an NLT Bible with this inscription, “I pass this Bible on to my life-long friend, Benny Brady. It is easier to read than the King James Version. It helped me through some rough times. God Bless you and those you love in this world and the next. – Jack Balty” Benny’s loving widow, Pat Brady shared a photo of the handwritten note in the Bible that Jack gave his dear friend, Benny. During Jack’s last days, his son, Les heard him say “Benny” as in half a conversation so Les asked if his dad was talking to Benny, Jack is reported to have given Les a look like, “That’s none of your business!” He was an active member of the Orchard Church in Tupelo, Mississippi. Jack Balty moved to Garrison, Texas in 2015 and lived on the same property as middle son Les and daughter-in-law Lisa Balty at Trailer Village RV Park owned by dear friends, Susan and Mark Swearingen who will miss “Papa Jack” too as will others in the park like dear friends, Valare Beauchamp and Randy Keel. Jack found solace and fellowship attending Holly Springs Baptist Church in Garrison and First Baptist Church, Nacogdoches, joining his brothers and sisters in Christ online as his health began to wane. He especially enjoyed the Celebration Service at First Baptist. He would listen to the orchestra and Les singing in the choir and was usually eager to discuss the Pastor’s message with Les when he got home. He especially loved Pastor Noel’s message on the “parable of the loving father.” That is what Noel called the parable of the prodigal son. It was so fitting and full of meaning for Jack. As we bid farewell to Jack H. Balty, we are reminded that while he is no longer with us in the physical realm, his spirit, the memories and the love we share shall inspire our hearts. Through the sorrow of his departure, we take comfort in knowing that he is at peace in the arms of our Savior free from the ailments that once bound him. May God bless the memory of Jack H. Balty, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend - AMEN. We held a memorial service for Jack at 7 PM on September 19, 2024 in the Chapel of First Baptist Church, 411 North Street, Nacogdoches, Texas 75961 and there will be a Celebration of Life 3 PM, November 9, 2024 at 7486 E FM 164, Rogersville, Missouri 65742. We will also have our traditional Father’s Day Weekend Camp in Branson, Missouri June 13 – 16, 2025. Jack’s family asks that in lieu of plants or floral arrangements that a donation to your home church or to The Gideons for distribution of The Word be made in Jack’s name.