James E. Balius Sr.

Memorial service for James E. Balius Sr., 84, E. Plymouth Avenue, DeLand, who died Sunday, Feb. 12, 2006, at Florida Hospital, DeLand, will be 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, at the Allen Summerhill Funeral Home, Inc., 126 E. New York Ave., DeLand. Mr. Balius was born in Biloxi, Miss., and moved to DeLand in 1996 from Long Beach, Miss. He was a chef and retired after having worked all over Louisiana. Most importantly, he was a devoted husband to his wife for 67 years. He was known for giving out his watermelon pie recipe. He was welcomed into heaven by his Lord, his mother and father, and his brother. The service will be officiated by his brothers and the music will be sung by Jerry Balius. Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Elise Balius, DeLand; son, James "Sonny" E. Balius Jr., DeLand; two daughters, Brenda Meagher, Mountain Home, Ark., and Laura Wilken, DeLand; three brothers, the Rev. Gerald Balius, Melbourne, the Rev. Samuel Balius, Springfield, Mo.; and Daniel Balius, Louisville, Miss.; two sisters, Frances Cody and Mable Gollott, both of Biloxi; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren; and his loving dog, Pepe.