Gilbert Lawrence Balch, 85 years and eight days, died July 30, 2022, at his home in Baird, Texas. Funeral services took place Aug. 2, 2022, at Cowboy Heritage Church in Clyde, Texas, with Rev. Mike Hudson officiating. Graveside services were held Aug. 2, 2022, in the Coleman City Cemetery. Visitation was Aug. 1, 2022, at Bailey-Howard Funeral Home in Clyde.

Gilbert was born July 22, 1937, in San Angelo, Texas, to Marion and Sue Belle (Lindsey) Balch. He graduated from San Angelo Central High School, and received his degree in poultry science from Texas A&M. He moved to Fort Stockton, Texas, after college to farm and ranch, and served on the city council there.

After Fort Stockton he relocated to the Salida, Colo., area to begin another chapter in real estate development. He then moved to Callahan County, Texas, from Colorado in 1993, and married Patricia Cole in Boerne, Texas, on Feb. 24, 1995. Gilbert was a farmer and rancher, a member of the Cowboy

Heritage Church, and served on the Callahan County Water Board.

God has called many great men before Gilbert, and will call many great men after him, but this one was special to many generations, big-hearted and consistent while raising four generations of children. He left a lasting impact on countless lives. He never met a stranger in any language, was wise beyond his time, and was always an example of determination and hard work.

He took flight for the last time early Saturday morning. The tower confirmed his destination, and he will be missed.

Gilbert is survived by his wife of 27 years, Pat Balch, of Baird; five children, Mark Balch of Houston, Texas, Debbie Crisp-Balch of McKinney, Texas, Deron Balch and wife Laurie of Abilene, Texas, Jetta Stokes and husband Bryan of Hodges, Texas, and Tiffany Gary and husband Billy of Cisco, Texas; brother Donald Balch and wife Kathy of Abilene; sister Marion Sue DeFoore and husband John of Boerne; 11 grandchildren, Brandon Dawson, Megan Wilks, Olyvia Jackson, Trevor Jackson, Hank Stokes, Stephanie Balch, Daniel Balch, Sally Stokes, Nicholas Balch, Westyn Balch, and Natalie Balch; six great grandchildren, Dallas Jackson, Mason Howeth, Blaire Dawson, Asher Wilks, River Jackson, and William Balch; and several nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Marion Balch and Sue Belle Balch of San Angelo.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Cowboy Heritage Church, 8468 County Road 112 N, Clyde, TX 79510.

Online condolences may be made at baileyhowarxfuneralhome.com.