Charles Balyeat

Charles M. Balyeat passed away peacefully on June 27, 2017 at Brookshire Healthcare Center after a long and brave battle with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Charlie, as his friends and family called him, was born on December 7, 1934 to Donald and Madeline Balyeat in Van Wert, Ohio. He grew up in Van Wert and graduated from high school there. He continued his education at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology. He served in the… Air Force National Guard and was called to duty where he served in France and Germany during the Berlin Airlift.

He worked for the U.S. Geological Survey which led him to move to Washington, D. C. where he met Judy in 1962 and they were married in 1965. He continued his education at American University in Washington, D. C. where he received a Master’s Degree in Administration. They bought a home in Falls Church, Virginia and he started his career with the U.S. Government where he remained until his retirement 37 years later.

After his retirement, they moved to Sunapee, New Hampshire where he enjoyed playing tennis, participating in local government, and occasionally flying small airplanes.

Charles is preceded in death by his parents Donald and Madeline Balyeat and his nephew Stephen Harriman. He is survived by his wife, Judith R. Balyeat of Madison, Alabama. His daughter Cathy Van Benthuysen and husband Russ of Harvest, Alabama. Two granddaughters, Jessica and Amy Van Benthuysen of Harvest, Alabama. Sister in law and husband Susan and Ted Harriman of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and nephews and their wives Jay and Barbara Harriman of Centerville, Virginia, Andy and Amy Harriman of Front Royal, Virginia, and Chris and Kim Harriman of Virginia Beach, Virginia.

A Gathering of Family and Friend will be from 4 to 6 PM on Saturday July 1, 2017 where a Celebration of Life Service will follow at 6:0 PM at Madison Chapel Funeral Home, 8521 Lee Highway, Madison, AL 35758. Interment will be in Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert, OH at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local animal shelter or the Alzheimer’s Association