Vernon "Jack" L. Ballinger

Vernon L. "Jack” Ballinger of New Port Richey, FL was born on September 13, 1921 to James Wesley and Carrie Jane (Davis) Ballinger. He departed this life on April 29, 2010 at age 88 years, 7 months. Early on he acquired the nick name of Jack, and all through his life his relatives and friends called him Jack. Jack graduated from Sterling, CO high school in June, 1941 and from Life Bible College in June, 1944. His life calling was to ministry and he pastored churches in Colorado, Boise, ID, Bremerton WA and McPherson, KS. He retired due to health problems in September 1984, after 40 years of pastoral ministry. During these years he was very active in school and city affairs, serving as PTA president, offices in City Ministry, ministerial associations, hospice, etc. He also served in the Civil Air Patrol, an auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force as Lt. Colonel, as Commander over five states in the cadet program Search and Rescue Operation, conferences and classes. Jack and Virginia were married on July 20, 1941, and he was looking forward to their 69th wedding anniversary. Jack loved to fish and hunt. The freezer was always full of meat and fish. He loved sports and played softball, baseball and basketball, even until he was eligible for senior citizens teams. He was loved by all his family, and they will miss him so very much. Jack is survived by his wife Virginia Tappy Ballinger of New Port Richey; one son, David M. Ballinger of Yoakum, TX; a daughter, Merrilyn Ballinger Wolfinbarger of Clearwater, FL; 14 grandchildren; 3 step-grandchildren; and 8 great grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday, May 21, 2010 at Adamson Chapel, 2000 47th Avenue, Greeley. Memorial contributions may be made to "Gulfside Regional Hospice” in care of Adamson Funeral & Cremation Services, 2000 47th Ave. Greeley, CO 80634. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.adamsonchapels.com.