Earl Franklin Balmer

Earl Franklin Balmer, 83, of Floyds Knobs, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 25, 2019, at the home of his daughter, Bonita Jo Cadle, where he lived the past 4 1/2 years. He was a member of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church; a long-time member of the local Bricklayer's Union, a member of the Southern Indiana Rifle and Pistol Club and a lifetime member of the NRA. He was born at home in Starlight, IN, to the late George Balmer, Sr. and Eva Keebler.

Earl left Borden High School in the ninth grade and later earned a GED at the age of 47.

Earl lived a very adventurous life. He began racing at an early age in Clarksville, IN and advanced through the ranks to NASCAR. After NASCAR, he began racing motorcycles and won many enduro races, advancing to a Class A rider. After motorcycle racing, Earl began shooting bench-rest rifles in competition and set several world records. He and his wife were both free-range pistol state champions. Earl's main occupation was a brick mason. Many people say he even laid brick fast.

Earl loved to travel west to the mountains and even drove his family to Alaska in 1973. He traveled to every state, except Hawaii. Earl loved camping, hunting big (and small) game, ginseng and mushrooms. He fished and later enjoyed photography. Earl's final enjoyment was getting to know his first great-grandchild, Coen Alan Cadle, who was born just three months before his final trip to Heaven.

Earl was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Sue Thomas, father, George Balmer, Sr.; mother, Eva Keebler, four brothers, Kenneth Lee (infant), George, Jr., Homer "Chip", and Raymond; and one sister, Vivian Henshaw.

He is survived by his daughter, Bonita Jo (Cliff) Cadle; two grandsons, Christopher Cadle (Erika Johnson), and Chase (Lauren) Cadle; one great-grandson, Coen; one brother, Melvin (Sue) Balmer; and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Hosparus, especially Amanda, for their help and kindness. They wish to thank their family and friends who have so lovingly supported them since Earl's stroke in March of 2015. The family would also like to thank Pastor Tony Alstott, whom Earl was very fond of and the Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church family for their love and prayers. Pastor Tony baptized Earl at the young age of 80, allowing him to earn one final checkered flag into Heaven.

Cremation and a private family service was chosen following Earl's wishes.

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