Doyle G. "Pete" Ballinger

Doyle G. “Pete” Ballinger, age 89, of Celina, Ohio, passed away on Thursday, May 30, 2024 at Trustwell Living at Miller Place in Celina. He was born December 29, 1934 in Mercer County to the late Glen and Catherine (Curry) Ballinger. On October 23, 1955 he married Charlene M. (Wurster) Ballinger and she preceded him in death on May 13, 2024.

Survivors include his children, Kimberly (Gary) Beckstedt, Celina and Kelly (Rod) Stover, Rockford; five grandchildren, Brandi (Chad) Bruns, Lindsey (Brent) Wise, Tyler (Kathryn) Stover, Trey (Sheena) Stover, Lana Beckstedt; thirteen great grandchildren, Brayden, Brittyn, Madelyn, Jaxson, Evelyn, Anderson, KJae, Hadley, Sayler, Blakesley, McKinley, Coy and Cora; a sister Linda Sapp, Mendon and a brother, Ted Ballinger, Celina; and a sister-in-law Beverly (John) Hawk, Rockford.

He is also preceded in death by a sister, Doris Maras, Celina; two brothers-in-law, John Maras and Larry Sapp and sister-in-law, Kay Ballinger.

Pete was a 1952 graduate of Neptune High School. He retired after spending his entire life as a self-employed farmer and worked for many years at Celina Moving & Storage.

He was a member of Neptune Church of God. After its closing, he continued worshiping at Mercer United Methodist Church in Mercer, Ohio. He served as a Center Township Trustee for ten years and a was big advocate and actively involved in the Center Township / Neptune Park.

Pete enjoyed working on the family farm, being an active grandparent, attending his grandchildren’s sporting events. Pete and Charlene traveled throughout the Tri-State area and beyond to be their biggest fans. Additionally, he loved to fish, fox and coon hunt and visit with friends at the Neptune Elevator in the afternoons.

Funeral services will begin at 11:30 on Monday, June 3, 2024 at Cisco Funeral Home in Celina, with Pastor Randy Christian officiating; where the family will receive friends from 9:30 am – 11:30 am prior to the services at the funeral home.

Graveside services will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Celina.

Memorial contributions can be made to Parkway Booster Club and/or The Mariemont School Foundation.

Pete’s family would like to offer thanks to the staff at Trustwell Living at Miller Place for the special care they gave Pete.

Cisco Funeral Homes of Celina & St. Marys are honored to care for Pete and his family. To pay respects and to leave online condolences or memories, visit www.ciscofuneralhome.com or Cisco Funeral Home Facebook page.