Paul Henry Balkey

Paul H. Balkey, age 80, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, February 19, 2012. Paul was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He loved sports and played sandlot/minor league baseball until he was married and his eight children were born. His career led him from Pittsburg to Houston where he was employed as a Systems Analyst by NASA. Later he moved to Colorado and ultimately El Paso, Tx where he retired from Farrah in 1996. Above all, Paul loved his family and they loved him. Paul is survived by his wife of twenty-six years, Grace; eight children - Paul Balkey, El Paso, Texas; Ed Balkey, Colorado Springs, Colorado, Jim Balkey and wife Kay, Pueblo, Colorado; Beth Perrino, Colorado Springs, Co.; Lee Schmitz, Virginia Beach, Virginia; Kathy Clements and husband Charlie, El Paso, Texas; Mary Schaffer and husband Russ, Urbana, Illinois; Dan Balkey, Penrose, Colorado; three step-children - Dean Collins, Grain Valley, Missouri; Dawn Oney, Webb City, Missouri; James Collins and wife, Rochelle, Raytown, Missouri; twenty-five grandchildren and twenty-two great-grandchildren. Additional survivors include a brother, Joe Balkey and a sister, Audrey Lemme; both of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Balkey and Mary Mueller-Balkey, his wife Helene Balkey, a grand-daughter Jennifer Balkey, two brothers Jack Balkey and Clyde Balkey; two sisters Betty Reddinger and Mildred Celender. A Memorial Service will be Monday, February 20, 2012 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Sunset Funeral Homes - East, located at 750 N. Carolina Dr. An additional memorial service will be held on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at 4:00 pm at University Presbyterian Church, 244 N. Resler Dr. In tribute to Paul's generous spirit, the family encourages, in lieu of flowers, a contribution to the charity of your choice. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home- East.