Douglas Balser

Douglas Balser, 90, of Mexico, died Thursday, November 8, 2018, peacefully in his home with those he loved. Douglas Pierce Balser was born on December 27, 1927 in Webster Groves, Missouri. He and his wife, Betty, married in 1946 and moved to Mexico, Missouri in 1948 where they lived for 62 years and raised their four children. Doug operated a family farm where he grew crops and raised livestock for 70 years. He raised registered Gelbvieh cattle, served on the school board of Carter School, helped with the local 4-H Club, was a 50-year member of the Masonic Temple, and was a founding member of Saint Matthew's Episcopal Church, where he was active for 61 years. His passion was flying his red and white Cessna 150, and he was a founding member and officer of the EAA chapter in Mexico. He is survived by Shirley; his four children and their spouses, Sharon and Jim Jones, Tom and Mary Balser, Joan Balser and Linda Stefacek, and Bobette and Warren Wilson; his 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Doug was preceded in death by Betty; his parents, Otto and Emily; his siblings, Marion, Jeanne, Jacque', Robert, Pat, and their spouses; his sisters-in-law, Dorothy, Anne, and their spouses; four nephews and one niece. A memorial service will be held at Saint Matthew's Episcopal Church, 100 S. Grove, in Mexico, Missouri on Saturday, November 17, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. The family requests memorials to be given to Saint Matthew's Episcopal Church or to the Simmons' Stable Preservation Fund. They may be sent in care of Pickering Funeral Home, 403 N Western, Mexico MO 65265. Expressions of sympathy may be given at pickeringfh.com