David Wesley Ballinger, 65 of Eaton, Colo., died at his home on Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2012.

He was born on Feb. 17, 1947 in Chanute, to Wesley Henry and Vena E. Sooby Ballinger

After college in 1969, he began a farming career where he grew wheat, soy beans, milo, and other grain crops along with raising hogs near Stark. Farming was his passion and when he saw his first crop appear tears were in his eyes. These were tears of joy as he had succeeded after learning to drive a tractor, till the ground, and plant the seed without any assistance or prior experience.

During his time in southeast Kansas, he met his wife, Nancy, and started his family with the birth of his sons Wesley and Richard.

Ever the optimist, he and his family moved to Eaton, Colo., in 1991 to explore options in the transportation industry. He started his own trucking company where he primarily moved produce and refrigerated goods through the central United States. In the late 90s he gained a business partner and helped to create a large trucking company headquartered in Greeley, Colo. Today this company employs nearly 25 people and is one of his proudest accomplishments.

Dave was a member of the Baptist Church, avid sports fan including football and drag racing. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

Dave is survived by his wife, Nancy, of Eaton; his two sons Wesley of Denver and Richard of Eaton; and his sister, Carol Prather of Eaton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wesley Henry Ballinger and Vena E. Ballinger, and his sister Nancy K. Ballinger.

Funeral services to celebrate Dave’s life will be held 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 22 at the Moser Funeral Service Chapel, 3501 S. 11th Avenue in Evans. Visitation will be from 1 until 3 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home. Interment Eaton Cemetery.

Memorial gifts: Please make donations to the National Future Farmers of America.