Calvin Monroe Ballinger, 88 died on Wednesday, August 09, 2006, in Lubbock, TexasServices were held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, August 12, 2006 at the First Christian Church. Burial followed in Memorial Park Cemetery, Dalhart, Texas under the direction of Horizon Funeral Home, Dalhart, Texas. Officiating was Barry Walker, Pastor First Christian Church Dalhart, Texas Calvin M. Ballinger was born on May 17, 1918 in Muskogee, Oklahoma to Calvin Sr. and Bessie Lee (Williams) Ballinger. Calvin spent 38 months a member of the Civilian Conservation Corp. and moved to Dalhart in 1938. He married Mildred Gumper on July 31, 1940 in Dalhart, Texas - they just celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary Mr. Ballinger worked from 1941 to 1979 for the Rock Island Railroad as a switchman and brakeman. He farmed from 1954 til he retired in 1988 and was a member of the First Christian Church, which he joined on February 5th, 1939. Calvin was a former volunteer fireman. Mr. Ballinger enjoyed fishing and the outdoors. He will be remembered by his family and friends for his love and ability to always put them 1st.Survivors include his - wife: Mildred Ballinger of Lubbock, Texas son Barry and his wife Sue Ballinger of Lubbock Texas and Daughter: Frances and her husband Larry Childers of Dalhart, Texas a brother: Carl Morgan of Claremore, Oklahoma and 2 sisters: Marjorie Brown of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Jeanetta Banowetz of Dallas, Texas 12 grandchildren 19 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild Calvin is preceded in death by his parents, one son (Dennis) and 4 brothers: The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Friday, August 11, 2006Family suggests memorials may be made to:First Christian Church 602 Denver Ave., Dalhart, Texas 79022 or Memorial Park Cemetery Fund P.O. Box 2005 Dalhart, Texas 79022