Danny "Dan" Joe Balch's Obituary
DANNY “DAN” JOE BALCH 10/7/1940- 2/8/2024
Dan was the devoted and loving husband of Sharon Balch, nee Lichte. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri to Marion and Leo Balch. In his early years, he was known to his childhood friends and family as “Duke.” Dan met Sharon while in high school and they married in June of 1960. Soon after, followed their three sons: Steven, Jeff and Don. Dan was transferred from McDonnell Aircraft in St. Louis to McDonnell Douglass in Titusville, Florida in 1967. While living in Florida, they had their fourth child, Cindy. In 1979 the
Balch family moved to Richardson, Texas where Dan went to work for Optic Electronic Corporation. After several years at OEC, Dan began his own business, Optex Systems Inc., from which he retired in 2004. During his retirement, Dan enjoyed many trips with Sharon here and abroad with their church friends. He loved to be on the golf course and enjoyed playing several international courses as well. He could often be found on his tractor at their family farm in Clarksville, Texas or at their cabin in Missouri. In his early days, he earned the title “Handy Dan” because of his vast knowledge of fixing just about anything. He was always helping his children with home projects. Dan spent many hours helping widows in need through the church’s program and was a deacon of The Heights Church in Richardson, Texas for many years.
Dan is remembered by his family and friends for his wisdom, patience, generosity and good nature. He loved his family deeply and enjoyed spending time with his friends. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Balch, his sons Steven, Jeffrey (wife Ellen) and Donald (wife Tammy), and daughter Cindy. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren: Stephanie, Hunter, Rachel, Colton, Madelyn, Devon and Camryn. He has one great grandson, Wesley. Dan is preceded in death by his parents Leo and Marion Balch, in-law's Forrest and Ollie (nee Gidinghagen), daughter-in-law Leisa Balch and son-in-law Brent Dumas.
Dan will be buried in Owensville City Cemetery, c/o of Gottenstroeter Funeral Home in Owensville, Missouri.
A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held at The Heights Church in Richardson, TX. on March 1 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, any contribution to the widows' ministry of The Heights would be greatly appreciated. Please visit https://www.theheights.org. Under the "Giving" menu is a drop-down list. There is a "Widow's Designated" choice.
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