John “Jack” Balliet

John “Jack” Balliet, 79, passed away on Aug. 5, 2014, in Pensacola, Fla. He was a beloved father, grandfather, brother and uncle, and will be greatly missed.

Jack, born in Muncy, Pa., retired after 22 years of service in the Air Force making Mary Esther, Fla., his home. He then followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather by becoming a meat cutter. This led to a career with Pantry Pride food stores and 17 years of service at the Hurlburt Field commissary.

Survivors include daughter and son-in-law, Michele and Howard Erskine, of Pensacola, Fla.; brother, Ralph Balliet, of Muncy, Pa.; sister, Phyllis O’Dell, of Hughesville, Pa.; grandchildren, Elissa Anderson, of Newport News, Va. and Dylan Erskine, of Pensacola, Fla.; one great-granddaughter, Annabelle Kate Anderson; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 33 years, Katie; parents, Domer and Kathryn; brothers, Robert, Donald, James; and sister, Kay.

Socially active in his community, Jack was a member of Elks Lodge 1795 in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., serving 10 years on the bingo committee alongside his wife Katie. He was also a member of American Legion Post 235 where he served as adjutant for several years.

Jack enjoyed traveling, bowling, spending time with his grandchildren and cheering on his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers and Nittany Lions.

Visitation was held Friday, Aug. 8 at Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road NE, Fort Walton Beach, Fla., from 9 to 11 a.m. Interment followed at 1:15 p.m. at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, Fla.

The family would like to thank the Joyce Goldenberg Hospice inpatient residence of Pensacola for making his final days peaceful. Donations to Covenant Hospice in Jack’s name would be appreciated.

Expressions of love and sympathy may be viewed online at www.emeraldcoastfuneralhome.com.