Glenn Edward Balman, age 89, a resident of Val haven Care Center of Valley, Nebraska left us to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, March 2, 2006 at Valhaven Nursing Center.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, March 8, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. at Valhaven Care Center, 300 W. Meigs, Valley, Nebraska with Reverend Carl Ratcliff officiating.

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE Service will be held at the United Methodist Church, Rozel, Kansas, on Saturday, March 11, 2006 at 1:00 p.m., with Reverend Mary Ohlemeier & Reverend Duane Harms officiating.
Family visitation will be held at the Church one hour prior to the service.

Interment will be at the Larned Cemetery, Larned, Kansas

Memorials may be sent to the United Methodist Church or the Volunteer Fire Dept. both of Rozel, in care of the Beckwith Mortuary, P.O. Box 477, Larned, KS 67550
Mr. Balman was born November 19, 1916 on his father's farm north of Rozel, KS. He was raised on the family farm and attended the local schools.
On October 10, 1940 he married Viola Louise Spreier of rural Rozel. Mr. Balman lived and farmed most of his life in Pawnee County where he and his wife, Viola, raised their seven children. In 1968 following the death of their son, Clyde Wesley, Glenn moved his family into Rozel from the family farm. For two winters in the mid to late 1960's he was employed by Doerr Manufacturing in Lamed, KS. From 1970 to 1974 Glenn and his wife Viola, owned and operated the Rozel grocery store. From 1974 until his retirement, he owned and operated, along with his son Stanley, G & S Repair, an automotive repair shop in Rozel, KS.
His wife Viola passed away in July 1977. In 1980 he married Florence Zellner of Great Bend, KS, and retired from farming in 1981. Florence passed away in 1986. Glenn was a long time member of the Rozel United Methodist Church and later transferred his membership to "the Valley United Methodist Church in Valley, NE. which recently merged with another local church has become the United Faith Community Church.
Glenn served on the rural Rozel Township board and maintained the local township roads for 14 years. He was a former member of the Rozel Lions Club and the Rozel City Council. He and his wife, Viola, served as foster parents to several children in the Pawnee County area.
In the spring of 1996, Glenn moved to Valley, NE., to live with his daughter Kaye and her husband Chuck. He enjoyed many hours of fishing with his friends along the Platte River. It was a joy for him to ride his Sears lawn tractor, when the weather permitted, up town to have breakfast with friends at the local cafe. Following surgery in January 2000, he entered Valhaven Care Center. There he enjoyed his many friends coming in to play cards twice a week, playing checkers with his dear friend Gib Hall, and watching the Atlanta Braves play baseball. For three years he raised a small garden to supply fresh tomatoes and cucumbers for the facility kitchen and the staff.
Throughout his life, Glenn shared his love of music with others as he played his harmonica. In August of 2003, he was invited to share his gift with hundreds of listeners of the Desert Ministries Radio Hour.
When he was asked what he wanted to play, Glenn responded "Just how I feel, "HOW GREAT THOU ART."" Because of his health, Glenn had not been able to play his harmonica very much but on that day, he didn't miss a note.
During the course of his stay at Valhaven, Glenn enjoyed visiting and joking with the staff. They in turn gave him love, laughter, kindness and wonderful care.
Survivors include three sons: David Edward of Lamed, KS, Richard Lee (Jane) of Liberal, KS,
Stanley Ray of Hutchinson, KS; three daughters: Mrs. Charles (Katherine Louise) Dutton of Valley, NE,
Mrs. Jerry ( Patricia Ann) Watts of Rose Hill, KS, and Mrs. (Ricky) Glenda ViAnn Gibson of Chula, MO,
10 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
Mr. Balman was preceded in death by his parents, John Edward and Martha Lee (Evans) Balman, his wife Viola Louise, a son, Clyde Wesley; a daughter-in-law Mrs. Richard (Anita Conrardy) Balman; his second wife Florence Zellner; two brothers, Wayne and Melvin and four sisters; Mrs. Harold (Lois) Arnold, Mrs. Guy (Velma) Patterson, Mrs. Karl (Laura) Smith, and Mrs. Henry (Elaine) Harmon.