Ivory Lawrence (Lonnie) Balch

Ivory Lawrence “Lonnie” Balch was born in New Home, Texas on January 30, 1927.  He passed away on June 26, 2017.

Lonnie was a true West Texan with a firm handshake and a quick smile.  He was spirited, hardworking and charismatic.

He loved his family and he loved the Lord.

Lonnie attended Lubbock High School and Texas Tech University.  He played basketball at Texas Tech, was a Golden Glove champion, and played professional baseball in the Cleveland Indians organization.

Lonnie served his country as a U.S. Marine.  He was a Mason, a Shriner, and a longtime member of First Baptist Church.

Lonnie married the love of his life Patricia Jean Marquis on Valentine’s Day in 1950.  They were blessed with three children: Kathy, Cindi, and Bobby.

Kathy’s handicap inspired Lonnie’s lifetime of service to children’s charities like Scottish Rite Hospital and the Lubbock YWCA. 

In 2011, Lonnie was awarded Volunteer of the Year by United Way.

Lonnie was preceded in death by Patricia and his beloved Kathy and by his sister Stella Balch Lindsey of Conroe.  He is survived by his brother Jerry Don Balch and his wife Mary Adelle of Sonora.  His daughter Cindi and her husband Craig Caudle of Midland.   His son Bobby Balch and his wife Kelle and her daughter Sarah Mullinnix of Austin.  His grandchildren Alli Caudle of West Hollywood, CA, Corbin Caudle and his wife Maggie of Dallas, and Lauren Balch of New York City.

The family appreciates the prayers and blessings directed at them during this time of remembrance and suggests that any memorials be shared with Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital, Development Department, 2222 Wellborn St, Dallas, TX, 75219.

There will be a memorial service for Lonnie at the Kent Hance Chapel on the Texas Tech campus at 11:00am Friday, July 7. 

Arrangements with Eeds Funeral Home, 408 S. Main St., Lockhart, Tx    512-398-2343

www.eedsfuneralhome.com