Bernard William Balow Obituary
Bernard William Balow passed away on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at the age of 83. Bernard was born in Reserve, KS on February 7, 1940. He was the third son of Harold & Wilma Balow. He had two older brothers, Dale and Delbert.
Bernard married Annalee Jane Spoor in Kansas City, MO on May 3, 1958. In 1966 they bought their first home in south Kansas City, the youngest homeowners in the area at that time. He took extreme pride in grooming and caring for his home and property, with neighbors always stopping by to tell him how beautiful it looked.
Bernard’s professional trade was painting and he worked for Ong Building Corporation for many years, painting and staining many of the homes in the new subdivisions being built in south Kansas City in the late 60’s/early 70’s. With an eye for perfection, he was extremely skilled at his craft.
Later he struck out on his own with his partner, Clyde Eppard at his side and formed his own painting business with the slogan “quality long remembered after price is forgotten”.
In January 1966, their first daughter, Geri Lynn was born; followed by his son Daniel Stuart (named after his very close friend and mentor, Stuart Barnes) in August 1969 and lastly his second daughter, Lori Ann (affectionately he nicknamed “Chip”) was born in June 1973.
After years in the construction industry, Bernard decided to go into an entirely different line of work with his wife in the 70’s. He studied and became an instructor with The International Institute of Reflexology and traveled thru out the U.S. teaching the practice. In addition they also set up a reflexology practice in the Waldo area of Kansas City.
In 1996 he relocated to Las Cruces, NM for the sunny climate and opened his own reflexology practice there. In 2012 he moved to Bullhead City, AZ where he retired and enjoyed the resort like paradise he had created in his back yard.
Always the jokester, Bernard could be counted on for a good laugh and the best Martini you could find. He loved barbequing, no matter the weather and had been known to shovel a path in the snow to his beloved Weber grill all winter long when in Kansas City.
He was a hard worker, kind, reserved, forgiving man and was a perfectionist and very meticulous in everything he did.
Bernard remained faithful as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses until the end; staying positive and looking forward to the new system of things on the horizon.
His family loved him dearly and will miss him greatly.
