Dr. Balko

Dr. Allie D. Balko, 67, passed away on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at his home in Medina, TX. He was born in Iraan, TX to Frank and Juanita (Hearon) Balko on May 21, 1953. He married LaNita Luster on June 9, 1972 at Palo Duro Baptist Church in Wildorado, TX. Growing up, Allie attended schools in both Iraan and Vega, TX, graduating from Iraan High School in 1971. He married LaNita the following year. During their early years of marriage, he worked various jobs to support his family while putting himself through school at Wayland Baptist College, graduating in 1978 with a Bachelor of Arts in Religion. Prior to marriage, Allie had been saved at a revival in Hobbs, NM on Easter Sunday 1970. He was baptized the same day, and eventually he felt the call to preach God's word. He was issued a Certificate of License to Preach by Palo Duro Baptist Church on July 28, 1974 and was ordained into ministry on January 28, 1979 at Northside Baptist Church in Plainview, TX. Over his 40 years in ministry, he has held pastorates at Ozona Calvary Baptist Church, Summerfield Baptist Church, First Baptist Church in Midkiff, FBC-Hart, FBC-Wickett, finally serving his last 20 years at First Baptist Church in Medina, TX. While serving in Wickett, he continued his education at Covington Theological Seminary in Roseville, GA where he received a Masters in Counseling, a Doctoral of Ministry, and a PHD in Counseling. He also received a Doctoral of Theology from Anderson Theological Seminary. Over the years, he was involved in numerous activities including Lions Club, Project Graduation, Ministerial Alliance, and the Baptist Associations wherever he was living. He was also involved in the extracurricular activities of his children, enjoying their sporting events, music and choir concerts, and hunting and fishing with them. Allie is preceded in death by his father Frank Balko in 2000, his mother Juanita Grantham in 2007, step-mother Clara Brooks in 2007, step-father Charlie Grantham in 2010, brother Marcus Grantham in 1996, and grandson Ethan McQueen in 2002. He is survived by his loving wife LaNita of 48 years and their four children: daughters Jolene Davis and husband Roy of Wickett, TX, Jenny McMillan and husband Michael of Red Oak, TX; sons Wesley Balko of Alvin, TX, and Robby Balko and wife Michelle of Kermit, TX. Others include step-mother Lucille Balko of Midland, TX; siblings Judy and Mike Hallgren, Debbie and Dean Whaley, Teresa Grantham-Higgins, Danny and Lynn Balko, Ronnie and Gay Lewis, and Dannie and Staci Paglusch; 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchilren. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 2, 2021 from 6-8 pm at Grimes Funeral Chapels of Bandera and Saturday, April 3, 2021 from 1-2 pm at FBC Medina. The funeral will follow at 2 pm with Rev. Robert Wheat officiating. No graveside service will be held. Internment will be in Restland Cemetery at Iraan, TX. A family graveside gathering will follow at a later date. Pallbearers include Christian DeAnda, Bo McQueen, Bradley McMillan, and Matthew McMillan. Honorary Pallbearers are Tristan McQueen and Andrew Balko. The family requests that all memorials be made to First Baptist Church of Medina, TX. We wish to extend our sincerest thanks to Dr. Jose Perez, Dr. Fred Salley, Dr. Anhil Singh, and our deacons and church family at FBC Medina. Condolences may be made online at www.grimesfuneralchapels.com by selecting the "Send Condolences" link. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Grimes Funeral Chapels of Bandera.