Robert Wayne Balzer

Robert (Bob) Wayne Balzer was born March 2, 1929, in Liberal Kansas to Abe and Helen Balzer. He went to be with his Lord and Savior on June 20, 2025, at the age of 96. Bob was raised in a dedicated Christian home 5 miles south of Hooker, Oklahoma. He trusted Christ as his personal Savior during revival meetings as an adolescent and was later baptized. His early childhood coincided with the famous Dust Bowl days. Bob attended a one room country school within walking distance from the farm home and was able to graduate from grade school as a seventh grader. He attended high school in Adams, Oklahoma for the next three years. His senior year he attended Corn Bible Academy, graduating in 1946. Bob initiated further education at Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kansas. His college years were cut short after one year due to family health issues, which required him back home on the farm. Bob farmed until he retired. In addition, to provide for the family, he worked at Hood’s Body Shop in Liberal for several years and later assisted a cousin with construction, excelling in electrical wiring. Bob also remodeled the farm home several times and constructed a lovely addition. He indeed was a man of all trades! Bob married Elda Janzen of Corn, Oklahoma, October 28, 1949. He and Elda celebrated over 75 years of marriage. Three children were born into their home: Wynette, Scott, and Barry. Bob and Elda were charter members of the Gospel of Grace Church in Hooker in the early 1950s. Church life was a high priority and Bob served in numerous positions over the years. He taught adult Sunday School faithfully, was chairman of the trustees and later of the church board for many years. His kindness, thoughtfulness, integrity, attention to details, and faithfulness were key in his service, not only in the home but also in the church. Numerous winters Bob and Elda traveled to South Texas for health reasons and to volunteer, first at Rio Grande Bible Institute and then at the radio station KVMV. This was a highlight in Bob’s life. They also faithfully supported missions through the years. After retiring from farm life, Bob and Elda moved to Weatherford, Oklahoma. The 16 years they resided in Weatherford were very enjoyable as they spent time with family, new friends, music jamboree events, and church life at the First Baptist Church. Bob taught the older men’s S.S. class. He and Elda sang in the senior choir, and they organized the missionary prayer wall. He also maintained nearby apartments and frequently volunteered his construction abilities in various other projects. Time was also invested in several network marketing programs. In 2006, Bob and Elda followed family to Bartlesville. They attended BFBC as long as health permitted. Bob especially enjoyed the men’s Sunday School class taught by Don Brady. He loved working in his immaculate yard, which was a work of art. He introduced the family to the game, Pegs and Jokers, making numerous sets of the game boards. Bob also was a great storyteller, even to the last days of his earthly life. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, one grandson at birth, and brother Dr. LeVon Balzer. He is survived by his wife Elda, daughter Wynette Kliewer and husband Eugene, son Scott, son Barry and wife Jaylene, all of Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Also surviving are 5 grandchildren: Jason Balzer, Alicia (Scott) Holbrook, Rob Kliewer, Kristi (Dale) Bacon, and Craig (Kelly) Balzer; and 4 great-grandchildren: Makenna Balzer, Chet Balzer, Kendall Bacon, and Carter Bacon; his sister-in-law Alice Balzer; and extended family and friends. We will miss our loving dad, Bob Balzer, but rejoice that he is now completely whole and pain free, rejoicing in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ! Visitation will be from 10-8pm, Friday, June 27, 2025, and funeral services will be at 2pm, Saturday, June 28th at Davis Family Funeral Home & Crematory – Walker Brown Chapel, 4201 Nowata Rd., Bartlesville, OK 74006, (918) 333-7665. Interment will follow at Dewey Cemetery, Dewey, OK. Arrangements are under the direction of Carter Davis and the Davis Family Funeral Home and Crematory Walker-Brown Chapel. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com

Robert Wayne Balzer

March 2, 1929 - June 20, 2025