Thomas Balmer

Thomas A. Balmer, 88, Kingsport, passed away Friday November 9, 2007 at home with loved ones by his side.

He was preceded in death by his loving and truly devoted wife of sixty-one years, Jean M. Balmer; his parents, Dr. Thomas A. Balmer Sr. and Harriet B. Balmer; and two brothers, Paul Balmer and Wilbur Balmer of Texas.

Tom graduated from Texas A & M with a BS in Mechanical-Petroleum Engineering and Management Engineering. He was a Retired Lieutenant Colonel from the U. S. Air Force.

Tom was a wonderful and loving father to three children, Dr. Thomas A. Balmer of Charlottesville, VA, Tracy Welsh and husband Sam of Johnson City, and Cindy Jewett and husband John of Kingsport; along with his grandchildren, Tommy Balmer, Katie Balmer, Lila Archer and husband Shannon, Metha Welsh, Marshall Jewett, Jordan Jewett, Steven Welsh, and Sunny Posey; six great-grandchildren, Brandon and Brooke Lynn Archer, Matthew and Drew Posey, Adrian and Alex Welsh; and special friends and caregivers, Tammarra Baker and Juanita Crawford.

Calling hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Saturday at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport.

Services will follow at 10:00 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home with Reverend John Brewster officiating.

He will be laid to rest in Beaumont, TX along side his wife and the Balmer family.

Honorary pallbearers will be Wilbur Balmer, Sam Welsh, Shannon Archer, John Jewett, Tommy Balmer, and Marshall Jewett.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 6701 Baum Drive, Building B, Suite 240, Knoxville, TN 37919.