Wayne Ballentine

(From Parker Mortuary)

Garland Wayne Ballentine, age 83, Joplin, passed away on Monday, October 12, 2020 at Mercy of Joplin after a sudden illness.

Wayne was born February 12, 1937 in Marked Tree, Arkansas, son of the late Arthur Ballentine and Alpha Bagley Ballentine. He served in the United States Army from 1956 - 1959 as a paratrooper.

He began his career working in mines before working as an engineer electrician for Rico Electric where he worked for years on the Nevada Test Sites. He moved to Joplin in 1999. He enjoyed his time spent at his church, Joplin Peace.

In addition to his parents, Wayne was preceded in death by a son, Roger Gardner, three brothers, Alfred, Beau, and Delbert; a sister, Clifford Jean Burton; and a granddaughter, Skylar McDonald.

Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Janice Rose Sims Ballentine; children, Garland Wayne Ballentine, Ricky Lee Ballentine both of Texas, Rickey Allen Gardner and wife Carla of Virginia, Greg Gardner and wife Sheila of Joplin, and Steven Ballentine and wife Jennifer of South Carolina, Pia McDonald and husband Olean of Arkansas, and Bonnie Neal and husband Travis of Texas; 20 grandchildren, numerous great and great-great grandchildren; sister, Opal Cribbs and husband Ed of California; brother, B.J. Ballentine and wife Pat of Texas; several nieces, nephews, and great- nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be Friday, October 16, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at Joplin Peace with Rev. Frank Buchanan and Wayne's son, Rev Greg Gardner, officiating.

The family will receive friends at Parker Mortuary on Thursday from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Serving as pallbearers to honor Wayne are Travis Neal, Jacob Neal, Aaron Neal, Steven Ballentine, David Ebbs, and Jimmy Henery.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Joplin Peace.