Mr. Herbert Allen Ballenger, of 1729 Wabash Ave., Rochester, passed away at 6:25 AM, Thursday, March 22nd, 2012 at Life Care Center. Herb was born in Fulton County on January 2, 1921, the son of Marvin & Ola Riggle Ballenger. Growing up he shared his childhood with a sister Freda. With great pride Herb graduated from Akron High School with his class of 1939. He was drum major of the band during his years as a Flyer. Following high school he attended Manchester College, where he pursued a degree to teach high school history. His quest to attain the degree was interrupted with his service to our country during World War II. During his stint with the U.S. Army, Herb was involved with the Rome-Arno and North Apennies battles. He received the EAME Theater Ribbon, 2 bronze stars, the Good Conduct Ribbon and the World War II Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged on November 26, 1945. Rochester's 1st Christian Church, On November 9, 1947 was the setting where Herb married his best friend and the love of his life Gloria F. Ensign. Their union spanned more than six decades and produced a set of twins, Kent and Krystal. Later the family tree grew with the additions of two grandsons and a great-granddaughter. The entire family enjoyed music; with Gloria at the piano, Herb would lead the music during family sing-a-longs. An avid sportsman and lifetime athlete, Herb enjoyed taking to the links. As a young man his grandfather fashioned a four hole mini-course in an alfalfa field. This made the fairways a bit challenging to navigate, but allowed for a great place to practice, elevating his game. His favorite golf courses were Millcreek and North Manchester's Sycamore. Golf took Herb and Gloria to sunny Florida's city of Mulberry. It was not only a place to enjoy the warmth of the sunshine, but was a golden opportunity to take the challenges of a variety of golf courses during the winter months allowing year round play. Tuesday night early league men's bowlers will remember Herb playing on the Rochester Glass team for many years. He enjoyed watching major league baseball, especially the White Sox---a man who fiercely cheered for the underdogs. During the autumn he was locked on to NFL football on Sunday afternoons. The Colts were his favorite team. Herb will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Krystal K. Smith of Rochester; 2 grandsons, Chad E. Ballenger of Ballwin, MO & Brian P. Ballenger of Ellisville, MO; a great granddaughter Tiffany A. Ballenger of Park Ridge, IL; a niece, Jill Stockwell & husband Bill of Crawfordsville, IL; brother-in-law, John Ensign & wife Marilyn of Peru; special friends: Nancy Tilden & Bobbie Hazen Pope, outreach ministry friend, Bert Sterk, and his table mates, Jim Bair, Al "Toad" Sibert & Rudy Rom; and numerous cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Gloria on May 19, 2009, son Kenton J. Ballenger on November 25, 2005, sister & brother-in-law Freda & Dean Ault, niece & nephew Alys Ault Doering & Dale Doering, and special friend Bob Hazen. Pastor Terry Canfield will officiate services. Interment will be in the Mount Hope Cemetery, Athens.