Thomas G. Ballenger, Sr., formerly of Clayton, DE, age 80, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2023.
Tom was born in Joplin, Missouri to the late Harvey and Bertha Ballenger. With his father being a miner, the family moved throughout the Midwest in his early childhood. The family eventually moved and settled in Delaware, where he graduated from Claymont High School in 1961.
After High school, Tom enlisted and proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps. After his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, Tom started his truck driving career which spanned over 40 years. Tom was notably employed by Contractual Carriers, where he hauled material to make vinyl records. He then worked for Standard Chlorine and later finished his career with Suburban Propane. In 1984, Tom was recognized and awarded commercial “Driver of the Year” by the State of Delaware.
Tom loved his sports, and religiously watched the Phillies and Eagles, as well as listened to University of Delaware Blue Hen football games on the radio. Tom enjoyed riding his Gold Wing motorcycle and was always interested in antique cars and trucks from his era. Tom was active in the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program and really enjoyed picking up the toys from local participating businesses. Bringing him the most joy however was time spent with his family. Tom could be counted on to be in regular attendance at his son’s and grandson’s baseball games. Tom was also recently elected as President of Serenity Gardens Residences in Middletown, DE., in which he was extremely proud.
Tom is survived by his two children, Thomas G. Ballenger, Jr. and his wife Nicole and Gabrielle F. Daws and her husband Edward; two grandchildren, Nicholas E. Daws and Luke G. Ballenger; his long-time companion Betty Degregory and numerous nieces, nephews and their families.
A special thank you to Heather and her staff at Serenity Gardens for all their care and support over the last 4 years.
A viewing will be held on Saturday May 20, from 11am-12 noon at Kings Assembly of God Church, 3700 Kiamensi Avenue, Wilmington (Marshallton), DE 19808, where a funeral service will follow at 12 noon. Burial with military honors will be held on June 12, at 2pm at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Rd, Bear, DE 10701.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donation be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Toys for Tots, www.toysfortots.org
For online condolences visit: www.mccreryandharra.com
