- Date Of Birth: November 18, 1929
- Date Of Death: September 4, 2015
- State: Florida
Captain O’Dean Edwin Ballmes, U.S. Air Force retired, 85, died at home in Fort Walton Beach, FL on Friday, September 4, 2015. He was born in Nisland, South Dakota on November 18, 1929. He grew up in Portland, Oregon and was educated at Portland University until his enlistment in the U.S. Air Force.
In August of 1952 he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant and earned the wings of a Radar Observer. In September of 1957 he earned the wings of a pilot and after two years in Helicopters spent the rest of his career in various fighter aircraft. He served during the Korean conflict and did three combat tours in Vietnam. He was a senior pilot. His decorations included the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Vietnamese Medal of Valor, Air Force Commendation Medal and others.
After his retirement from the Air Force in September 1971 he became a General Contractor in Fort Walton Beach, FL. He was a member of the Air Commando Association and the Fort Walton Beach Yacht Club. He was an active racing sailor until arthritis prevented further competition.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 59 years, Bernadine (Beni) Ditter Ballmes and his daughter in law Patty (Taylor) Ballmes. Survivors include his sons, Gil H. Ballmes, Michael A Ballmes and his wife Eva-Maria (Glackemeyer) Ballmes; daughters Sydney F (Ballmes) Werthmuller and her husband Dn. Theodore W. Werthmuller; M. Leslie (Ballmes) Bethea and her husband Arthur M. Bethea. He is also survived by his grandchildren; Sinclair, Simon, Mary, Theodore, Stacey and Gil Jr. His first great grandchild is due November 4, 2015.
