Wesley (Wes) Balter

Wesley Dean Balter, age 90 of Overland Park, passed away January 28, 2022.

Wes was born and raised in Peru, Indiana. He married his wife, Patricia, on December 30, 1950, in Layfette, Indiana. They were married for 67 beautiful years before her passing in 2018.

Wes was a proud graduate of Purdue University, earning a degree in aerospace engineering. Upon graduation, Wes began working for Kirby-Risk in Lafayette, before taking a position with Owens Corning in Newark, Ohio in 1963. He remained with the company for three decades taking a position in their Toledo, Ohio offices in 1965, and moving to Kansas City in 1972. Wes retired from Owens Corning in 1990, having served as purchasing manager for the Kansas City operations. His dedication and hard work were awarded and recognized by his many colleagues and friends.

He was an avid sports fan, rooting for his beloved Chicago Cubs and hometown Royals and Chiefs. He shared his passion for sports with his family. He coached his sons’ youth teams, teaching them the infamous Juan Marichal high-leg kick. He could often be found as one of the most vocal fans in the stands watching his grandchildren compete in wrestling, dance, soccer, basketball, and softball.

Wes had an especially green thumb and cared for a bountiful garden and many flowers. He was also a skilled craftsman and woodworker. Perhaps most of all, he enjoyed telling his many stories and life tales to rapt audiences of friends, family, neighbors, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, but he never did quite “make a long story short…”

He is survived by his daughter Terri Backes (Tim) of Auburn, Illinois; son Mark (Mary) of Paola, Kansas; and son Jeffrey (June McCammon) of Parkville, Missouri; six grandchildren—Sarah (Ryan) McMinn, Chad Balter, Ashley (Sean) Dickerson, Greg Backes (Diane), Emily Backes, and Wesley Balter—and 7 great-grandchildren—Jaden, Elsi, Ayla, Quinn, Zane, Logan, and Katherine. Wes was preceded in death by his wife Patricia and their infant daughter Diane Elizabeth, parents Herschel and Bernice, and daughter-in-law Sheila.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Olathe Health Charitable Foundation (The Doctors Building 1, 20375 W. 151st St., Suite 363, Olathe, KS, 66061) or the Gates Foundation (www.gatesfoundation.org; please specify for polio eradication)

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation/Polio