Richard Rios Ballin Sr.

Today is a sad day on earth but a glorious day in heaven. The good Lord has taken our Daddy home. Richard R. Ballin Sr. passed away on April 25, 2026.

Dad was born on February 8, 1939 in Saspamco, Texas.  He leaves behind a wife of 67 years, the former Arcilia Munoz and eight living children. Albert (Christy) Ballin, Janet Davis, Ruth Rogers, Leroy Ballin, Timothy Ballin, Ted Ballin, Karen (Eddie) Villanueva, and Patsy “Mona” (Charlie) Herman. One son, he will be reunited with in heaven, Richard Ballin Jr.  Dad also leaves behind numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren and his best canine friend, Reina. Dad has one living sister and brother, Belinda and Juan from Elmendorf, TX.

Dad came to South Bend in 1967 and made his home here, but we all knew his heart was always in TX. Dad always wore his Texas belt buckle, cowboy hat and boots. He wore them proud!  Dad had a Texas Ranger badge and would tell the grandchildren that he used to be a ranger in TX.  Dad had a sense of humor we all will miss!  Dad had a love for old western movies and western actors. When you would visit the family home, you would be sure if he were watching television, he was watching a John Wayne movie. He had a love for music. Johnny Cash and Ramon Ayala.

Dad loved being an American and did not take his country for granted.  It showed from the American flag in the front yard and the dozens of flags, and American eagles displayed throughout his home. He was proud that his son served his country in the US Army in the mid-70s.

Dad was a self-taught carpenter and was very gifted at building many items, from his carport, shed, bird houses and the trellis in the backyard. His most favorite creation was replicating the ND fighting Irishman. Dad built many things over the course of his lifetime that made us all proud.

I would like to thank Paradigm Health Hospice, especially Dad’s nurse, Kristi Myers. We will always remember the love, compassion and friendship that she had for Dad and our family. Thank you to Trailpoint Village to the nurses and aides who loved and cared for our father.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 in the Zahoran Funeral Home, 1826 Kemble Avenue from 11:00am to 1:00pm, with services to follow at 1:00pm.  Burial will follow in Southlawn Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made the Alzheimers / Dementia Association.   To leave an online condolence, visit our website http://www.zahoran.com or our facebook page Zahoran Funeral Home.

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