BALSER, Joseph W (Col) - WWII
Source: Lafayette Journal and Courier Tue 7 Jan 1997 p 18 c1
Joseph W. Balser, 75, of 907 Union St, died at 1:44 p.m. Sunday Jan 5 in St. Elizabeth Medical Center. He had been a patient there one day. Mr. Balser was a salesman for Independent Life Insurance Co. for 21 years retiring in 1985. Born Feb 4, 1921 in Attica, he lived in Lafayette most of his life and was a 1939 graduate of Jefferson HS. He married Margaret L. Hayes on Sept 1, 1939 in Lafayette. She survives. Mr. Balser was an Army veteran of WWII and was in the Indiana Guard Reserves from 1972 until retiring as a colonel in 1992. He was past commander of American Legion Post 11, a member of 40&8 and a former member of Masonic Lodge 492. Surviving with his wife are two sons, Joseph W. Balser of Casa Grande, Ariz; John E. Balser of Lafayette; three daughters, Mrs. William (Valerie L) Feltz and Mrs. Allen (A Lynn) Wimberly, both of Lafayette; Mrs. Tom (Millie J) Harrell of Laurel, Miss; a sister, Mrs. Joe (Marilyn) Gillian of Portland, Ore; two brothers, John R. Balser of Alexandria, LA and Ronald F. Balser of Tucson, Ariz.- kz
Source: Lafayette Journal and Courier Tue 7 Jan 1997 p 18 c3
“Funeral Notices” – Balser, Joseph W – Friends will be received 1 hour prior to the memorial service at 3 p.m. Wednesday at First Church of God in Lafayette. Eleven grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren survive. Preceded in death by a granddaughter, Michele, in lieu of flowers, memorials to Nursing Scholarship Fund c/o 40&&8 Chateau 1421 N. Creasy Land, Lafayette 47905. Soller-Baker funeral directors in charge.