Alvin Balaban

Alvin Francis Balaban passed away June 18, 2009 at his home in Edmond. Born March 18, 1927, he was the only child of Samuel and Hortense (Dooley) Balaban. He attended Forest Hills High School in Long Island, New York, before enlisting in the Navy, serving at the end of WWII and being recalled to duty for Korea. After his time in the Navy, which included serving on the USS Attu, he attended City College of New York, studying marketing and journalism. In the 1950's, Al started his career in media relations in the - at the time - new field of business aviation, working up to director of corporate and marketing communications for Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. before retiring in 1992. Among his many honors, Al was awarded the Certificate of Honor from the National Aeronautic Association "for contributing to the advancement of the art and science of aviation and space flight and the diffusion of knowledge thereof, through invaluable service to the National Aeronautic Association." Al served on numerous boards: the inaugural board of directors of the Cowboy Hall of Fame, Bethany Lutheran College, the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago, the Public Relations Society of America and Newberry College. He was elected as a delegate to both synodical and national conventions of the Lutheran church (now Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and served on many local boards and committees of Our Lord's (OKC), Peace (Edmond) and Lighthouse (Edmond) Lutheran churches. Al was a passionate historian of Dr. Martin Luther, with extensive travels in Germany and many courses taught at his and other Lutheran churches, always ready with something to share of the "Luther Legacy. This is most certainly true!" He was preceded in death in 1994 by Miriam (also an only child), whom he married in 1951. He married June Jackson in 1997. He is survived by his wife, June; his son, Paul (Laura) Balaban; son, Peter (Marilyn) Balaban; son, Carl Balaban; and daughter, Susan (Max - deceased) Moellinger; his granddaughter, Jennifer (Sean) Garrison; his grandson, Doug Balaban; grandson, RC Balaban; grandson, David (Katy) Balaban; grandson, Samuel Balaban; grandson, Parker Randell; and grandson, Christian Balaban; his great-granddaughter, Ashley Moellinger; his great-grandson, Brody Moellinger; his great-granddaughter; Alyssa Garrison; and great-grandson; Nicholas Garrison; and many family and friends. A memorial service for Al will be held at Lighthouse Lutheran Church, Edmond, at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 23. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the City Rescue Mission, Lighthouse Lutheran in Edmond, or Plant a Tree for Israel through the Jewish National Fund.