Emil Ballance

ANNA, Ill. -- Emil Eugene "Gene" Ballance, 81, of Anna died Monday, June 16, 2008, at his home.

He was born Nov. 16, 1926, in Wolf Lake, Ill., son of Louie and Gustia Lowe Ballance. He married Katherine Elder, who died March 27, 1988. He later married Dorotha M. Williams.

Ballance served 21 years in the U.S. Coast Guard and six years with the U.S. Navy during World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War.

He was a member of Galilee Baptist Church and lifetime member of Carroll P. Foster VFW Post 3455.

Survivors include his wife; three sons, Sam Ballance of Emden, Ill., Dan Ballance of Cobden, Ill., Mike Ballance of Willard, Mo.; a daughter, Kay Jackson of Robards, Ky.; two stepdaughters, Janet Jennings of Anna, Jane Jones of Makanda, Ill.; a stepson, Jim McBride of Scottsdale, Ariz. three sisters, Peggy Schwartz of Makanda, Mickey Tweedy and Kitty Yates of Cobden; nine grandchildren; seven stepgrandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a great-stepgrandchild.

He was preceded in death by two brothers and two infant sisters.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Anna.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Randy Carstens officiating. Burial will be in Cobden Cemetery with full military honors provided by VFW Post 3455.