- Visitation
Friday, November 1, 2019
6 to 7:30 p.m.
Ingram-Meridith Funeral Home
Albion, IL
Masonic Rites to be Conducted at 7:30 p.m.
- Service
Celebration of Life Service
Saturday, November 2, 2019
2 p.m.
Ingram-Meridith Funeral Home
Albion, IL
Burial to follow in Graceland Cemetery, Albion
- Full Obituary
93-year-old Albion resident, Max Dean Balding, passed away Thursday morning, October 24, 2019 at his home.
Max was born Oct. 12, 1926 in Edwards County to Alva and Anna (Ramsey) Balding. He married Ina Gibbs on May 14, 1957 in St. Louis, MO, which she preceded him in death August 1, 2003.
Max joined the U.S. Army at the age of 18, which he retired from the Army in 1966. While in the service he was stationed in Washington State, served in Korea, Panama Canal, Ft. Leavenworth KS, St. Louis Recruiting Station, Fort Davens MA, and Italy where he and Ina resided for several years.
After retiring from the Army, Max settled in Missouri where he worked for the SSA for 11 years. He and Ina moved to Albion in 1982. He owned and operated a HR Block franchise in Fairfield until the early 90’s.
Max was a member of the First Christian Church of Albion, a 63-year member of the Hermitage Lodge 356 of Albion, 32nd Degree Mason, York Rite Mason of Albion Chapter 237 of Albion, and numerous other Masonic Degrees. He was also a member of the Eastern Star, Albion Moose Lodge 621, Albion American Legion 620, and the VFW Albion Post 8222.
Max enjoyed animals and had several beloved dogs over the years. His early mornings were enjoyed, going to the coffee shop and the comradery of those around the tables. He took great pleasure in solving Sudoku puzzles and visiting with family.
He is survived by his brother Darrel (Mona) Balding of Jacksonville, FL, his sister Linda Hewitt of Springfield, IL, sisters-in-law Nelda Balding and Erlene Brown along with numerous nieces, nephews, and several cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, three sisters, a niece and nephew, three brothers-in-law, and a sister-in-law. He was a husband, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, friend, and neighbor loved by all.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, November 1, 2019 at Ingram-Meridith Funeral Home in Albion, IL. Masonic Services will begin at 7:30 p.m. Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 2, 2019 at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery with military rites to be performed at the graveside.
Memorials may be made to either the First Christian Church of Albion or the Edwards County Senior Citizens.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.meridithfuneralhome.com.
Ingram-Meridith Funeral Home of Albion is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.
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