Ben served in the U.S. Navy from 1957-1962 after graduating from Edwards County High School in Albion, Illinois in 1956. He then later graduated from Florida State University in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communication. He retired from the Florida Department of Transportation in January of 1995 after a 33-year career. He married Regina (Sammons) on November 20, 1971 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Tallahassee, Florida. Ben was a member of the local Elks Lodge where he would often go to watch FSU football games. He will mostly be remembered for his jokes and the laughter he created as he was usually the life of the party.
Ben is survived by his wife of 51 years, Regina Sammons Balding; his son, John Christopher Balding (Magda); his daughter, Erika Balding DeRose; and two grandchildren, Kristopher Balding and Evan DeRose; his brothers, Gale (Sherry) Balding, Danny (Mollie) Balding, John (Stella) Balding; and several nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly.
Ben was preceded in death by his father, Medford Harold Balding; his mother, Vernice Genelle (Knust) Balding; his younger brother, Loy Balding; and his older brother, Max Balding.
In keeping with his wishes, he will be laid to rest in West Salem, Illinois later this year. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to AMVETS National Service Foundation at https://amvetsnsf.org/.
A ceremony with Military Honors will take place on Friday, March 31, 2023, at 12pm at the Tallahassee National Cemetery.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CulleysMeadowWood.com for the Balding family.
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