Louis Balderas, Jr.
Louis Balderas, Jr, passed away on Monday, December 25, 2017 at the age of 85. Born October 4, 1932 in Galveston, Texas to parents Luis & Jovita Balderas, Louis was the eldest child, raised alongside his four sisters and brother. A born athlete he played both baseball and basketball for Webster High School. After graduation he represented his country in the US Navy during the Korean War. Louis worked as a firefighter for NASA, later retiring from Celenese Chemical Company after many years of service. In retirement he fell in love with his time spent in the front yard under the beautiful oaks with his friends and family, as well as spending time volunteering as an usher at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Above all, Louis’ heart was with his family; he is survived by his wife Elena, son Robert Balderas, his wife Anna, daughters Diana Levy, her husband Van, Martha Jefferies, her spouse Tim Mann, and Mary Balderas, sister Henrietta Aldape, dear family members Darrel Jefferies, Alicia Walker, Hillary, Whitney and Charity Mann along with numerous other loving relatives. Louis adored his Grandchildren; Grandsons Jasyn & Steven Jefferies, James Balderas, and Granddaughters Ali & Julia Levy. Louis’ heart will live on in all of those he knew and loved. The Family will receive friend on Friday, December 29, 2017 from 5-7:00pm with a Rosary at 7:00pm at St Mary Catholic Church, 1612 East Walker, League City, Texas 77573. A Funeral Mass will follow on Saturday at 10:30am at St. Mary Catholic Church with Father Howard Drabek officiating.
Many loving, caring, and found memories will always live in my heart. So sadden by this loss. All my love
Dear Helen, Diana, Martha, Robbie, and Mary:
I am sorry that you lost the patriarch of your family – father, husband, and leader. Lou was a fine man and he enjoyed a full, well-lived life. I always enjoyed visiting with Lou in Galveston during Thanksgiving and hearing his perspective on life. Lou had an easy-going nature with a sparkling personality. He adored all of you and was surely happy with all that you accomplished in your lives. I know that you are broken-hearted over your loss, but I hope that you can find solace in knowing that Lou is in heaven now and is free from any pain.
I wish the best for all of your during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Stephen Levy
I have such fond memories of Mr. Balderas. He was my YMCA basketball coach and I always remembered how great he was as a coach – never lost his temper, always reassuring all of us we could make the plays. When I sent on to play at Creek he would always say hello when I saw him after games. Funny – about 20 years later I’m running down a soccer field playing the volunteer referee and who do I see on the sidelines, but Mr. Balderas cheering on his grand daughter! Well it turned out my daughter and his grand daughters when to the same schools, so over the years I got to see him again. Always a delight for me.
My prayers to the Balderas family.
Mark Cook
Pops you welcomed me into your home and helped raise me through my teens. I can’t thank you enough for being a part of my life and making me laugh so much! I will always cherish the memories and times spent with you. It will always be the Balderas / Watson family on the front row of St. Mary’s. Even though the church has changed, I still chuckle every time I walk in. I think you guys did that just to keep Mary and I from cutting up. What awesome memories I cherish so dear to my heart.
Love you and miss you dearly,
Nikki