Robert P. Balderson

Robert Paul Balderson, 79, and recently of Point Marion, PA, passed peacefully at his home Tuesday, September 8, 2026. Bob, as he was known to most, was born Friday, June 13, 1947 to the late John and Evelyn Balderson in Binghamton, NY. The eldest child he was big brother to Shirley,Rosemarie and John. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister Shirley. Together for 41 years, he is survived by his wife Merrill, his children Deanna Thompson (Jeremy), Robert Paul Balderson, II (Leshia) and Tara Laine Taylor (Jonathan) all of Pt. Marion, PA. 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren knew him as Papa, and nieces, nephews and their children knew him as Uncle Bob. He was always good for a laugh and willing to pull a tooth with his Magic Hanky upon request. He also is survived by his best buddy canine Jack. He was a 1965 graduate of Dover HS in Dover, NJ. After graduation he immediately enlisted in the United States Air Force where he worked in radar and electronics fields. He retired after 20 years and worked for a short time processing and selling meat and seafood goods at King Prime in Morgantown, WV. Wanting to use his knowledge of electronics, he applied and was hired by the Federal Aviation Administration. For the first 3 years he worked in the tower maintaining navigational equipment at Newark, NJ International Airport. Wanting to be closer to his children, he transferred to the Elkins, WV Automated Flight Service Station maintaining equipment from its commission to its decommission, which is when he retired. In total he worked for the US federal government for 45 years. A social fun-loving man, Bob belonged to the Elkins Elks Lodge 1135 where he served as Exalted Ruler and WV Elks Association Tiler. He also belonged to Morgantown Elks Lodge 411 and carried membership with the Randolph VFW Post, Elkins American Legion, Point Marion Eagles and the Air Force Sergeants Association. Bob was an avid golfer and quite proud to have made a hole-in-one. He enjoyed the outdoors hunting and fishing as well as indoors as a league bowler. Family was important to him even with a career that often kept him away from home. He was a great friend, father, Papa and husband and will be missed. Visitation will be Friday, September 11, 2026 from 1-3 pm at the Richard R. Herod Funeral Home, 501 Morgantown Ave., Pt. Marion, PA 15474. Interment, with military honors, will take place Monday, Sept. 14th, at 1:00 PM in the Sparta Cemetery, Sparta, NJ, beside his father and grandfather.

Robert P. Balderson

June 13, 1947 - September 8, 2026