Richard Lee Ballinger

richard ballinger

March 10, 1954 ~ March 23, 2005


Resided in: Cripple Creek, CO

Richard L. Ballinger, 51, passed away March 23, 2005, in Cripple Creek, Colo. Survived by parents, Fay and Henry Ballinger of Pueblo; sisters, Marsha Boyette and Rebecca Ballinger; brother, David (Merrill) Ballinger; nephews, Austin and Nathan Ballinger; and niece, Sherry Ballinger. Born March 10, 1954, in Ft. Worth, Texas. Rick graduated from South High School where he joined Pride City Band and competed in Drums Across the Rockies at Pueblo County High School. He worked at K.F.C. for 5 years to finance his college education at SCSC (now CSU-Pueblo). After graduation, Rick moved to Cottage Grove, Ore. where he was the music director at Calvary Baptist Church. He worked at Cottage Grove High School, Bi-Mart and Lane County, Oregon Sheriff's Office as store clerk to help finance his voluntary church work. He moved back to Colorado because of a terminal illness. Rick played in the Little Theater Orchestra for musical productions including 'The Music Man,' 'Sound Of Music,' and 'Fiddler On The Roof.' He also played in both Cottage Grove and Eugene Oregon Symphony concerts. He was an officer in local Kiwanis' Club and volunteered for Habitat for Humanity. Funeral service, 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 29, 2005, at New Heights Baptist Church, 3304 Baltimore, with the Rev. Dave Grossman officiating. Interment, Mountain View Cemetery. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com

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  1. Rick was in our Kiwanis club and served not only as an officer but as a dedicated person who put others needs above his own. I am so glad that he was with family during his last year of his life. He spoke often of his sisters and his dad even shared breakfast with us a time or two.

    I wanted to let you know that theCottage Theater is expanding and our club is soliciting support from other area Kiwanis clubs to purcase a $1000 donation plaque in Rick’s honor. We hope to have this completed by the end of June.

    This way, in a small way, Rick’s music will live on in the Cottage Theater.

  2. Jon, JJ, Jared and I are so very thankful for the many years we were able to work, play and worship beside Rick. He was faithfully committed to God, family and friends. I have had the pleasure of Rick’s friendship for the last 29 years! Jon and I were both students in his music class at Cottage Grove High School the first year he moved to Oregon! We also attended the Calvary Baptist Church together where Rick was the occasional Sunday School teacher to our sons and our choir director! He was always willing to help anyone at anytime. Rick, until his recent illness, never once failed to send a birthday card to my sons JJ and Jared who are now 23 and 19! What character he displayed. I will always appreciate the effort he made to show God’s love to my children! We thank you, the family of Rick Ballinger, for sharing his life with us! May God grant you peace, wisdom and strength to continue sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ which Rick so dearly loved to do…Debbie Johnston and family.

  3. I am so sorry for your loss. I was on committees with Rick for HfH, he was a wonderful man and he is missed very much. Some of my happiest memories are going to our theater and having the honor to hear Rick play – and visiting at the break. My prayers are with you at this sad time. Melissa Vogel

  4. I was a friend of Rick’s at work at the jail in Eugene. His gentle nature was so unusual there that he really stood out. He was kind to everyone. Rick worked hard and if I had a problem, I could go to him and count on his help. I will always remember his goodness. Thank you for letting us here in Eugene know about him.The whole world loses when a good soul passes away. My condolences to his family and other friends, Becky Cole

  5. I worked with Rick at the Lane County Adult Correctional facility. We shared a lot of laughs in a not so friendly enviroment. Rick had a great work ethic and worked very hard and even in his final days with us he worked hard even though he wasn’t feeling his best. Rick always saved paper for my daughter because he knew she loved to draw. Rick always thought of others before himself. I will always smile when I remember Rick. God Bless you Rick and your family.

  6. Mr. & Mrs Ballinger, Marcia, Becky, and David,
    I have some wonderful memories of Rick. I am so sorry for your loss!
    John Gallina

  7. Rick and I were hired at the same time at Lane County Adult Corrections. We enjoyed learning the “military” structure together. I have missed his cheerful “good mornings” since he left Oregon. Just thought about him the other day and wondered how he was. We in medical at the jail miss him very much.


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