Dates
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7
Jerry Don Balch entered this world weighing a mere two pounds, embodying a fighting spirit that never wavered throughout his life. On March 20, 2025, he suddenly departed this earthly world at the age of 82. A celebration of his life will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Sonora on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Susan E. Burnham officiating.
Jerry Don was born to Addie and E.R. Balch on December 27, 1942, in Lubbock, Texas where he spent his younger years. As the third child, he grew up with much older siblings, Lonnie and Stella, who adored and spoiled him. Upon graduating from Lubbock High School in 1961, Jerry Don attended Texas Tech where he was chosen as Captain of the Red Raider football team, selected All-Southwest Conference, and awarded the coveted Pete Cawthon Memorial Award in 1964 for the best all-around football player. Jerry Don went on to fulfill a lifelong dream, signing to play for the Dallas Cowboys in 1965. Just when he thought life couldn’t get any better, Jerry Don met and married Mary Adele Wilson of Sonora - forever changing his playbook. From that moment on, she became his greatest teammate, and together they built a lifetime of love and cherished memories.
In 1968, due to the illness of his father-in-law, Duke Wilson, Jerry Don and Mary Adele returned to Sonora, where he would spend the next six decades embracing the ever-evolving challenges of ranching in West Texas. Jerry Don’s competitive nature and innovative problem-solving skills provided him with the grit and determination to improve, adapt and care for the land and livestock he so deeply loved and respected. With great pride, he received the Soil and Water Conservation Rancher of the Year in both Nolan and Sutton Counties.
Jerry Don wore many hats throughout his life - athlete, rancher, farmer, pilot, mechanic, fighter, perfectionist, and adventurer - but the roles he cherished most were those of a devoted father and beloved Papa Red. Jerry Don and Mary Adele were proud parents of their two daughters, Anita and Anna. From junior rodeos and stock shows to sporting events, their dad was their biggest fan. Jerry Don received the sons he never had with his two son-in-laws, Keith Hudson and Brady Johnson. His children’s love for their colorful, tough, and bigger-than-life father would only deepen when they blessed him with four grandchildren. With each, his heart softened, and in them, “Papa Red” was born - a role he embraced with endless love and pride. He was more than just a grandfather and developed a unique and special bond with each grandchild. Papa Red and Mommy 2 traveled countless miles not only watching John Duke, Word, Mary Kyle, and Wilson compete, but also created wonderful memories on family vacations. The final years of Papa Red’s life were further enriched by the presence of his great-grandchildren - Kasen, Gene, Mitchel and Balch - bringing him great happiness as they became a part of his legacy.
Raising and racing thoroughbred horses brought Jerry Don much pleasure and he looked forward to the summers in Ruidoso, New Mexico watching them run. He was a member of the Ruidoso Jockey Club where he spent many happy hours enjoying the company of wonderful friends. He was also a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers, Mohair Council of America, Texas Tech Alumni Association, Red Raider Varsity Club, and The Fling Ding Club.
Jerry Don was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer Ray and Addie Marie Balch; his siblings, Lonnie Balch and Stella Balch Lindsay; his in-laws Ira Duke and Adele Kyle Wilson; nieces Kathy Balch and Louise Adele Dermody; and a special sister-in-law, Nancy Wilson Davis. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary Adele Balch, daughters Nancy Anita Balch Hudson and her husband, Keith, and Anna Elizabeth Balch Johnson and her husband, Brady. He is also survived by his grandchildren: John Duke and Gentry Hudson and their children, Kasen and Gene; Word Balch and Anda Hudson and their children, Mitchel and Balch; Mary Kyle Johnson and fiancé Tate Jones; and Wilson Marcus Johnson as well as nieces and nephews that he deeply loved and played an important role in their lives.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be sent to St. John’s Episcopal Church in Sonora, the Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association or a charity of your choice