Leon T. Balderson

Leon Thomas Balderson, age 83, passed away at Parkersburg Care Center on April 18, 2013.He was born Feb. 18, 1930, in Parkersburg, W.Va., a son of the late Thomas W. and Leetah Rowand Balderson.He was a cement mason by trade and was a lifetime member of the O.P.C.M. Local 887. He retired from Schneider Construction in 2005. Leon was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served in Japan and Korea with the Battery A 61st Field Artillery Battalion. Leon was a member of Calvary Memorial Church where he taught Sunday school and served on the board. He loved to hunt, fish, and spend time with his family.Leon is survived by his wife of 60 years, Marie G. McGary Balderson; two sons, Steven C. of Mineral Wells, W.Va. and David A. (Paula) of Dade City, Fla.; one daughter, Paula M. (David) Goudy of Parkersburg, W.Va.; six granddaughters, Annette M. (Chad) Emrick of Mineral Wells, W.Va., Kristal M. Merritt of Florida, Alicia R. Balderson of Florida, Julie A. Balderson of Vienna, W.Va., Megan E. Goudy of Greenville, S.C., and Sarah Goudy of Parkersburg, W.Va.; one step-granddaughter, Valerie A. (Brandon) Full; five great-grandchildren, Emily N. Emrick, Jakobe Merritt, Xavier Reyes, Jaxson Reyes and Braxton Reyes; one brother, Carl W. (Audrey) Balderson of Parkersburg, W.Va.; and one sister, Amilie W. (John) McGary of Parkersburg, W.Va.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers; five sisters; and a granddaughter, Jenna L. Balderson.Services will be held 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 21, 2013 at Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home, 2333 Pike St. Parkersburg,W.Va. with Pastor Jeff Williamson officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen North Cemetery with full military rites by American Legion Post 15. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.