Earl Joseph Balser

He was the child of the late Edward Balser and Louise Y. Balser; and had 8 siblings. He joined the military on Feb. 11, 1943 and served in the Air Force for 20 years. During WWII while stationed in Scotland he met and married his wife, Mary Lynch on Oct. 1, 1945 and came to New Orleans, LA. Later, he was transferred to San Antonio, TX where their daughter was born. After his retirement he began a career as a civilian employee for the U.S. Navy. After his 2nd retirement, Earl did various volunteer work, including an advocate for a local nursing home and helping at the N.O. Veterans Hospital, he was an active member of the AARP chapter and VFW in St. Bernard Parish. Following the death of his wife and Hurricane Katrina, he moved to Westlake and later Sulphur, LA. He had a unique sense of humor and made many long lasting friendships wherever he resided.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; 7 brothers, 1 sister and six sisters-in-law. Earl leaves behind his daughter, Carolyn Ripoll; son-in-law, Terry Ripoll; granddaughter, Cherie Benoit (Sean); grandsons, Steven Ripoll (Nicole) and David Ripoll (Tracy); 5 great grandchildren, Luke and Zachary Benoit, Ava Ripoll and Matthew and Mason Ripoll, numerous relatives in Louisiana and Scotland and 1sister-in-law.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at 12:00 pm with visitation beginning at 10:00 am until the service at Hixson Funeral Home of Westlake. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, March 24, 2017 from 10:00am -12:00pm at St. Bernard Cemetery in Chalmette, Louisiana. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the VFW in Moss Bluff and the VFW in Chalmette. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.