A husband, a father, a brother, an uncle and friend has finished life’s journey…Eternal life has begun for him. Services will be 12: 00 p.m. on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at Christian Bible Baptist Church, 2369 Oak Street Ext., for Mr. Hayden Lamont Ballinger of Warren, who departed this life Sunday, September 4, 2016 at St. Joseph Warren Hospital.

Mr. Ballinger was born April, 9 1955 in Youngstown, a son of Francis and Gladys Washington Ballinger.  He was a South High School graduate where he played basketball and football as the starting quarterback for the Warriors. He was united in marriage to Mrs. Sharon Rose Bennett, whom loved him with an undying love. Mr. Ballinger coached little league baseball and attended YSU for two years of coursework. He was baptized at the Greater Friendship Baptist Church at an early age under the late pastorate of Rev. B.J. Myers and was a current member of Christian Bible Baptist Church. He found joy in swimming, also singing as a member of The Mystic Knights and the Youngstown Detroit Connection with his three nephews. He was a phenomenal father and loved his family dearly.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife; two sons, Darien (Leneasha) Ballinger Sr. and Daylen Ballinger, both of Youngstown; two adopted sons, David and Robert Cunningham, both of Youngstown; three sisters, Alvena Brown of Calif., Clara (David) Wilson of Youngtown and Donna Jean (Gregory) Leslie of Ala.; seven grandchildren, Darien L. Jr., LaNaesha, Dayontaé, Elisha, NáRya, Eliakim and Noella Ballinger, all of Youngstown; mother/father-in-law John and Marilyn Bennett, of Warren; three nephews, who were like brothers, Henry (Dena) Townsend, Eugene (Maloria) Davis and Terry (Rever) Anderson; and a host of family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; five sisters, Pearl Ballinger, Geraldine Davis, Shirley Oliver, Francine Hopkins and Diane Newberry; twin brothers Francis Leon and Leon Francis Ballinger.

The calling hours will be Friday, September 9, 2016 from 6-8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 11-12:00 p.m. at the church.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to L.E. Black, Phillips and Holden Funeral Home Inc.