Alva Lee Ballmer, age 92, of Fayette, died Friday, October 18, 2024, at CHP Inpatient Hospice in Defiance. He was born November 5, 1931, in Morenci, the third of four children of the late John and Velma (Schoonover) Ballmer. Alva lived his early life in the Munson area and graduated from Morenci Schools in 1950. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1952, and proudly served his country for two years overseas during the Korean Conflict. He married Joan Marie Ely on New Years Day 1954. Together they raised five sons and enjoyed nearly 60 years as husband and wife before her passing on December 8, 2013.
In addition to being a carpenter by trade, Alva worked for the former Young Spring and Wire in Archbold until his retirement. A man of deep faith, Alva was devoted to his church, Fayette Church of the Nazarene. Through the church, he proudly gave of himself on multiple mission trips around the world, including visits to Honduras and Korea. In later years Alva enjoyed vegetable gardening as well as traveling on various bus tours with Joan. He is fondly remembered for his easy-going personality and his sociable nature, never meeting a stranger.
Surviving are five sons, Mark (Jackie) Ballmer of Archbold, OH, Tim (Cheryl) Ballmer of Fayette, David Ballmer (and Casey Champion) of Edon, OH, James (Sonya) Ballmer of Wauseon, and Michael (Janna) Ballmer of Fayette; a brother, Ivan Ballmer of Bryan; ten grandchildren, Josh, Melissa, Lacey, Brittany, Sarah, Nathaniel, Brynn, Leora, Haley, and Isaac; and 12 great-grandchildren, Dylan, Daxton, Merritt, Dempsy, Sophie, Wesley, Hazel, Hannah, Lauren, Jacob, Mora, and Jacob.
In addition to his parents and wife, Alva was preceded in death by two siblings, Lois Masters and Verl Ballmer.
A funeral service for Alva will be held on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Fayette Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Andy Reynard officiating. Burial will follow in the West Franklin Cemetery in Franklin Township. The family will receive friends for a visitation for one hour preceding the service at the church.
Memorial contributions in Alva’s honor can be given to the Fayette Church of the Nazarene or CHP Hospice. Friends can express sympathies to the family online by visiting the tribute wall at www.andersonfuneralservices.com. Arrangements have been made with the guidance of the Eagle-Marry Funeral Home, Fayette.