Richard E. Ballinger

EFFERSON, S.D. -- Richard E. Ballinger, 84, of Jefferson died Monday, June 20, 2011, at his residence. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 25, 2011 at Elk Point United Parish in Elk Point, S.D., with the Revs. David Bambas and Dan Lozier officiating. The procession to Graceland Park Cemetery, will be led by the Patriot Guard Riders. Military rites will be conducted by the Iowa Army National Guard. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m., at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel in Sioux City. Condolences may be sent online to www.meyerbroschapels.com. Richard was born June 17, 1927, in Sioux City, the son of Harold and Ada (Upton) Ballinger. He grew up in the Elk Point area and attended Pleasant Grove School. He then graduated from Elk Point High School. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. Richard married Dora Roberts on May 15, 1951, in Sioux City. She died on Dec. 27, 2005, in Sioux City. He farmed with his sons Rodney and Adam in the Jefferson and Elk Point areas and also operated a farrow to finish hog confinement business for 45 years. In previous years, Richard served on the Jefferson School Board. He enjoyed attending farm auctions and local benefit stag events. His primary enjoyment was the working and expansion of his five-generation family farm operation. During the past 10 years, he worked or for him played using his Caterpillar to clear some farm ground to ready it for eventual planting. Last month, he completed this task as the ground was planted with a spring crop for the first time. He succeeded in his goal to "see it planted before I die." Survivors include four children, Carol Ann Searls of Sioux City, Rodney Ballinger and his wife, Joni of Jefferson, Dr. Beth Ann Ballinger of Rochester, Minn., and Jane Ann Rozell and her husband, Mathew of Lakeville, Minn.; a brother, Reynold Ballinger and his wife, Emma of Elk Point; a sister, Norma Johnson and her husband, John of Sioux City; eight grandchildren, Nathaniel Searls and his wife, Bridgett, Jonathan Searls and his special friend, Alexandria Carter, Tim Huber, Lindsey Schmit and her husband, Dan, Tiffany Andreasen and her husband, Tom, Sarah Rozell, Erika Rozell and Brodey Ballinger. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dora; and two sons, Earl and Adam. Pallbearers will be his grandchildren. Memorials may be made in his name to the Sioux City Gospel Mission.