Joseph F. Balmes, 78, of The Woodlands, TX, passed away peacefully at home on April 24, 2021. He was born in Chicago, IL, on September 5, 1942. Fred graduated from Waukegan Township High School in 1961, and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Marquette University in 1966. He married Ginny Balmes in 1966 in Rockford, IL, and they were married 54 years. Fred was a Captain and helicopter pilot in the Marine Corps for 7 years, and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He had a career as a sales engineer at Eaton Corporation for 35 years. He belonged to Sts. Simon and Jude Catholic Church in The Woodlands, TX, and was active in the Knights of Columbus. He was a member and past president of both the VFW in Bolingbrook, IL, and the 1st Marine Division Association in Houston, TX. He was very active in the Boy Scouts with his son Brian, and was a Scoutmaster for many years. He was a science fair judge for the Education for Tomorrow Alliance. He had a passion for photography and for traveling to National Parks with his wife, especially Yosemite. Fred was a wonderful husband and a loving father and grandfather.
He is survived by his wife Ginny, his son Brian (Patty) Balmes, his daughter Jennifer (Jason) King, grandchildren Erin Balmes, Rylie Balmes, (Army specialist) Benjamin Balmes, Caleb King, and Cody King, and siblings Bob Balmes, Virginia McDonald, Phyllis Balmes, Geoff Balmes, and Chris Pendleton. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Mary Balmes, parents in-law Henry and Mary Chiodini, and his brother Jim.
A memorial wake will be held at American Heritage Funeral Home on May 9, 2021 at 5:00 PM, a Vigil will take place at 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM and funeral mass at Sts. Simon and Jude on May 10, 2021 at 10:00 AM, followed by internment with military honors at the Houston National Cemetery at 12:45 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Fred’s honor to The Knights of Columbus Council 6557 at 29327 South Plum Creek Drive, Spring, TX 77386.
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