This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Balls, Webber, Maisey Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/Eg.2ADE/438 Message Board Post: Idaho State Journal, 03/10/02 POCATELLO — Clarence Raymond Balls, 84, of Pocatello passed away suddenly and peacefully in Idaho Falls, Idaho on March 6, 2002. He was born April 29, 1917 in Hyde Park, Utah, to George David and Julia Webber Balls, the ninth of twelve children. He spent his early childhood helping with the family farm in Cache Valley, Utah. At age 11, he moved with his family to Dayton, Idaho. He graduated from Preston High School in 1936, where he participated in football, track and wrestling. He was also a graduate of seminary. Upon his graduation from high school he met the love of his life, Melba Maisey and they began their courtship. In 1940, he moved to Pocatello to attend Links School of Business where he studied accounting. In August of 1942, he began working at the Army Air Base in Pocatello as an Engineer’s Aide where he was able to apply his accounting skills while assisting to build the runway at what is now known as the Pocatello Airport and later transferred to the Quartermaster’s Corp in the supply department. In January of 1945, he transferred to the Naval Ordinance Plant where he achieved the title of Ordinanceman 1st class. He continued in this position until 1952. On February 28, 1945, Clarence and Melba were married in Logan, Utah. The marriage was later solemnized at the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on December 19, 1951. Together they raised five children. In 1952, Clarence began working as an office manager and bookkeeper for Chief Sales and Service, doing work in the gas and oil business. In January of 1954, he started his own business, which became Clarence’s Mobil Service. This continued until September of 1967. At this time, he became Building Superintendent at the Idaho State University LDS Institute of Religion, which he considered to be the best, and most rewarding job he ever had. He greatly enjoyed being in the presence of the college students and returned missionaries. While there he took Institute classes and developed close relationships with his instructors. He graduated from the Institute and was also the main speaker at the graduation ceremony. Many believed his speech was the best they had ever heard. He was highly regarded at the Institute and participated in many activities for many years. He especially treasured the retreats he made with the officers and faculty to Jackson Hole and Sun Valley. In 1982, upon his retirement, he was rewarded by a trip to Egypt and the Holy Land. Some of their most cherished memories were of washing their hands in the Jordan River and visiting the tomb of Jesus. He also visited the Egyptian Pyramids where his picture was taken riding a camel, after which his family knew him as Clarence of Arabia. He was a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He held several positions in the Church, which included Ward Clerk, Athletic Director, Coach, High Counselor, Elder’s Quorum Presidency, YMMIA Stake Secretary and the President of Sunday School in different wards. He also sang in the church choir. He and Melba were also called to serve two full-time missions for the Church. The first was in Kentucky and the second the family history mission in Salt Lake City. He officiated in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple for many years. He immensely enjoyed all of the experiences that the Church provided for him over his lifetime. His hobbies included fishing, gardening and golfing. He also loved cars and traveling with family and friends. He took great pleasure in playing his harmonica for various family and church functions. For the last several years, he has been a member of the Silver Chords, a local senior citizens musical group. Clarence was a very kind, caring and compassionate person who had a very gentle way about him. He always made others feel comfortable around him. He will be greatly missed by his family and his many friends. He is survived by his wife, Melba of 57 years; five children, Claudia McLain (although she passed away on March 8th), Laura Lee Littlefield, David (Shawna) Balls, Daniel (Denise) Balls and Kenneth (Ellen) Balls, all of Pocatello, 23 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. He is also survived by a sister, Wanda Frandsen of Sandy, Utah and a brother, Kendall (Jean) Balls of Logan Utah. He was proceeded in death by both his parents, 7 brothers and 2 sisters. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 11, 2002, at the Alameda 2nd Ward Chapel at Jefferson and Walnut in Pocatello with Bishop Darrell Haskel officiating. The family will receive friends at the Colonial Funeral Home, on Sunday, March 10, 2002, from 7 to 9 p.m. and also at the church from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Burial will follow at Restlawn Memorial Gardens.