David Webster Balding

David W. Balding, Captain USN, SC (Ret) died September 27, 2025, at his farm in Leesburg, VA, surrounded by his beloved wife of 68 years, Shirley, and their family.

He was born on his grandparents' farm in McConnelsville, Ohio, on August 21, 1933, to Kenneth and Ruth Balding. He attended school in Newark, OH. After graduation, he and a friend enlisted in the Navy-despite not knowing how to swim. Dave served his first tour onboard the USS WASP where he was proud to play an integral role in saving 61 souls during the collision between the WASP and the USS HOBSON. He earned an appointment to the Naval Academy Prep School and subsequently attended the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, graduating in 1957. Along with finally learning to swim, he played lacrosse, soccer and learned to sail.

After graduation, he attended the Navy Supply Corps school and several ships, a submarine squadron and several shore duty billets that kept his family crisscrossing the nation. He also served in Iceland and three tours in Vietnam. When he recounted being interviewed by Admiral Rickover for the nuclear subs, he remembered how unique it was that the Admiral asked him for a list of recently read novels. In his final tour, he served as the Director of Navy Transportation.

He retired as a Captain on October 1, 1981. He earned advanced degrees at Michigan State University and the Naval War College. After the Navy, Dave spent another 20 years working in the civilian world, mostly in government logistics with Landstar.

David was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Roger. He is survived by his wife, Shirley, and their 8 children and their spouses, 25 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Donna Hara (Hani), his sister-in-law, Joyce Zinsmeister (David) as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and beloved friends.

He was a devoted Scout, serving as a leader for many Boy and Girl Scout troops wherever the family was stationed. He enjoyed fishing, deer and bird hunting, to include hunting wild turkeys on horseback. He loved a good dog and there was always at least one around. For Dave, there was nothing better than hosting his family, friends and especially youth from church, at his Full Circle Farm. Grandchildren were welcome for "camp" every summer - and they never wanted to leave. There was always more than enough for everyone at his table. He volunteered every year for the elections at the local polls. He was a member of his local VFW Post 1177. In the midst of the popularity of the Harry Potter books and movies, he was recognized as one of Loudoun County's biggest Harry Potter fans and got his picture in this paper. His most treasured titles in all the world were those of Husband, Dad and Papa.

Dave was a proud member of St. Francis de Sales Parish in Purcellville, VA, where he served in several roles. He loved sharing the story of Jesus by introducing everyone to his beloved Jerusalem Donkey. He did his part to ensure the church was an open and welcoming community.

Visitation is Friday, October 24, between 4 - 6 pm at Hall Funeral home in Purcellville, VA. A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, October 25, at 11 am at St. Francis de Sales Parish, also in Purcellville - all are welcome. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either the Wounded Warrior Project or the St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church Building Fund

David Webster Balding