Alvah D. Ballinger, 73, of Brazil died unexpectedly February 25, 2006, in the emergency room at Terre Haute Regional Hospital.

He was born April 8, 1932, in Center Point, the son of Alva Edwin Ballinger and Altha Irene Wells Ballinger. As a young man, he joined the U.S. Navy and served on the USS Kearsarge during the Korean War. When he came home from service, he began working at Glenn-Gerry Brick in Brazil. He operated a tow-mower at the brick plant for over 25 years, retiring in 1985.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and being outdoors. He was a devoted father and grandfather.

He is survived by his children, Katrina Coahran and husband Kevin, Alvah Dale Ballinger, Jr, and Jacob Charles Ballinger all of Brazil; the mother of his children, Sandra Ballinger Brewer; six grandchildren, Michaelia D. Coahran, Kevin D. Coahran, Jr., Alysa Haven Rain Ballinger, Jacob Charles Ballinger, Jr, Aaliyha Jade Ballinger, and Madison Sakelle Hensley; three sisters, Charlotte Butts and husband Gene of GA, Patricia Harpold of Brazil and Karen Ripple and husband Max of Staunton; nephews Todd Brown, and Jerry Brown and many other nieces, nephews and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Kenneth Ballinger and Edwin Ballinger, three sisters, Sharon Kay Ballinger, Wanda Hausman, and Drucilla Brown.

Services will be held Tuesday at 1 p.m. at French Funeral Home with Pastor Tony Alstott officiating. Military graveside rites will be provided by American Legion Post 2 and VFW No. 1127. Burial will be at Summit Lawn Cemetery.

Visitation will be Tuesday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Light a candle in his memory at www.frenchfuneralhome.com