Son of Zachary and Sophie Balaker he first married Florence Sabinski who predeceased him in 1978 and is buried with him. He was the second husband of Isabel Dawn Holdren Koons (still living at this time)and they were married in 1980. He was was drafted just prior to World War II and attended OCS and graduated as a 2nd Lieutenant. As a member of the 309th Field Engineers, he participated in the invasion of Sicily and Italy. He was discharged in 1946, and worked for the Geological Survey for four years until recalled to active duty for the Korean Conflict, at which time he was on loan to the Air Force. He also served in Vietnam. Following the war, he attended George Washington University in Maryland, where he studied for two years in Military Science and received a BS degree in Law and Government from the University of Maryland. Post-graduation, he studied a year at Columbia in Methods of Instruction. Among other schools attended were Command in General Staff College, Army Language School in Monterey, Calif., and two years of Language schooling in Oberammergau, Germany. During his career, he received numerous awards, including the Legion of Merit with two Oak Leaf Clusters; Meritorious
Service Medal; European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal; American Defense Service Medal; American Campaign Medal; World War II Victory Medal; Korean Service Medal; United Nations Service Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal; Army of Occupation Medal (Berlin); National Defense Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with one Bronze Star; Army Commendation Medal; Air Craft Crewman Badge; and four Overseas Bars.His last tour of duty in Europe was part of the Four Power Mission in Germany and was Deputy Commissioner to the Russians in East Germany. Prior to retirement, his last tour of duty was during the Agnes Flood in 1972, where he served as liaison between the Pennsylvania National Guard and the First Army Division in Atlanta.He had a lifelong love of the United States of America, the American Flag and never missed an opportunity to teach flag etiquette and love of country to the younger members of the community.One of his favorite pastimes during his stay at the Community Living Center was playing Trivial Pursuit (where he rarely missed a question) and playing (and winning) Bingo. He enjoyed time with his dogs and loved to spend time talking with his children and grandchildren. He loved gardening and his Spring tulips were the envy of of the neighborhood.