Joseph F. Balius

Joseph F. Balius, 71, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, September 4, 2010. He died in Houston, TX with his wife, Marie, and his daughter, Candace by his side. Joseph was born on June 24, 1939, in Biloxi, MS to Rudolph and Mildred Demoruelle Balius. A lifelong resident of the coast, Joe was a star athlete at Biloxi HS. He lettered in football, baseball, basketball and track. It was on the football field where Joe really set himself apart. The Herald often referred to him as "Joltin Joe", he was an All-American quarterback excelling as a runner, passer, defensive back and place-kicker. He earned a football scholarship to MSU. Joe was a family man and worked as a roofer for 29 years. He and Marie raised a beautiful daughter, Candace, and Joe helped raise his step-daughter, Andrea. His passion for athletics carried over into his family life teaching his girls both to play sports and have a working knowledge of the game. An avid outdoorsman, Joe loved to hunt, fish and spend time at the camp. He was a great cook and didn't ever need a recipe. Joe never met a stranger and valued his friends greatly. Joe was preceded in death by his father, Rudolph; his beloved mother, Mildred; and brother, Warren. His is survived by his wife, Marie; his daughter, Candace Adkins and her husband, Jason; step-daughter, Andrea Crawmer and her husband Bob; daughters, Tina Sullivan, Laurie Guise; and sister, Linda Godsey; along with many nieces, nephews and four grandchildren. A visitation with the family will be held Monday, September 13, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima, 2090 Pass Road, Biloxi, MS, with a Memorial Mass to be held at 11:00 a.m., and reception immediately following at the church. A private interment will take place at Biloxi Cemetery later that day. In lieu of flowers, the family requests Mass Intentions be offered on behalf of Joseph Balius. We will miss him deeply until we are joyfully reunited forever in Paradise, with our God who loves us so much! www.bradfordokeefe.com