Obituary of Jerry Lynn Balch

On the morning of September 3, 2016, at the age of 74, Jerry Lynn (Beau) Balch passed away peacefully in San Antonio, Texas, due to complications of heart failure. He was surrounded by family and loved ones. Funeral services are scheduled for Beau for Thursday, September 8, 2016 at 2:00pm at Golden Funeral Home, 2016 E. Madison Ave, Bastrop, Louisiana. Burial will be at Carter Cemetery in Collinston, Morehouse Parish Louisiana (near Bastrop). Visitation will be Wednesday, September 7 from 5:00 until 7:00pm at Golden Funeral Home. Beau is survived by his beloved wife, Jacquelin Roberts Balch of San Antonio, TX, one daughter, Marian Metcalf and husband Terry of Arp, TX, granddaughter Heather Barr and one son, Carl Balch and wife Charlotte of St. Paul, TX, granddaughter Elizabeth Balch. Family members include Jacquelin’s sons Bobby Dale Kelly and wife Larke, children Jake, Katy, and Briley of Monroe, LA and Michael Kingcaid and wife Rene of San Antonio, TX. Beau is also survived by a large family of step-siblings; George and Patti Alford of Hutto, TX, David and Sandra Alford of Heavener, OK, Michael and Kay Loftin of Benton, LA, Kenny and Dora (Sissy) Lataxes of Westwego, LA and many step nieces and nephews. Dear to Beau’s heart are also Taylor Metcalf of Tatum, TX, Landon Ayers of St. Paul, TX and Christopher Harris of Shreveport, LA. Beau was born May 8, 1942 in Shreveport, LA and is preceded in death by his mother, Doris Martin Balch Alford and step father, J. Temple Alford of Bossier City, LA and father Lucious Johnie "Blackie" Balch of Shreveport, LA. He graduated from Fair Park High School in Shreveport and attended Northeast LA University in Monroe. Beau enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served in Vietnam. Beau began his career in the banking business in Bossier City, LA then transitioned to cable communications with WEHCO Media, Inc., serving as a general manager for over 20 years. He enjoyed the opportunity to live in many places including Florida, Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi, where he retired in 2008. Beau was an active and dedicated member of the Freemasonry Brotherhood and is the Past Master at the Martin McClanahan Masonic Lodge #384 in Bossier City, LA. Beau was previously married to Chris (Missy) Skoglund Balch of Vicksburg, MS who preceded him in death in 2008. In 2010 Beau was reunited with and married his college sweetheart, Jacquelin, who was with him through every step of the last years of his journey. They lived in West Monroe, LA until a recent move to the Austin and San Antonio, TX area. His children remember him as a kind and hard-working father who encouraged them to pursue their goals. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Beau's life. The family would like to thank caregivers and staff at the Skilled Nursing Facility at Brookdale Patriot Heights in San Antonio, TX for all of their dedication and support.