Donald Lee Balsley Jr.

Donald L. Balsley Jr., passed away at the age of 57, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Donald passed at home amongst family, after suffering with a long and vigorous fight with many health issues. His life was a compelling battle with diabetes, heart disease and finally liver disease. Other issues were neuropathy which caused him to lose the use of his legs and also loss of vision. 

 Don was a very energetic child with helping the neighbors with groceries and cutting their grass, and of course taking out the trash, and he never charged them for anything.

 At 4th and 5th grade Don would help the maintenance man at St. Williams Church. He spent many years at being an altar boy. Other things that caught his attention was working at being hall monitor, which led to him taking classes to become a cop. Don became a security guard right out of high school, which led to him trying to apply for the navy, although he could not do due to his asthma. At the age of 14 he saw a gasoline truck that had a tire on fire and he realized that if it was going to explode it would spread into the apartment building, so he pulled the alarm, and made sure everyone was out of the building. He saved many lives that night. Don then took a job working for Hamilton County MRDD which he worked there for 23 years. Then a job at AFC, which he worked for 3 years before he got sick. 

 Don had many interest over the years. He found a love for motorcycles, bears, building model cars in his spare time. He also collected matchbox cars, and anything for the home team, the Bengals

 Other than work he loved to explore other states while on vacation with Michele. His one favorite hobby was decorating for the holidays. Christmas was the best, he would say every year how he could visualize how to put up his village in the living room and also for all Hallows Eve. Don was also proud of his collection of hats. He never went anywhere without a hat. Other things he liked to do was jigsaw puzzles and watch movies. His greatest adventure was the day he got his Dodge Ram Truck.

 Don left behind a loving wife, Michele, (Daniel}, and recently lost a son Michael McLaughlin on March 24, 2024, {Sarah}{Julie}, family friend, Daughters Rebecca, {Dan Reuter}, and Nikki {Ricky}, and youngest son Justin McLaughlin, {Kayla}, grandchildren Kyrie and Addy. Parents: Donald L Balsley Sr., Joyce,{Wychek} and younger Brother Tom. Sister Marlena Gates who passed in 7/6/2020. Aunt Joan Reinert & Ted Reinert {George}, Also Pat Henry and Son Adam Henry.

 Funeral Services are as follows: Hodapp Funeral Home, 8815 Cincinnati- Columbus Rd. West Chester, Ohio 45069. Service is 9/5/2024 at 1pm to 3 pm. Then following the priest speaking, and then gathering at Don & Micheles house.