Salem – John G. Balyo, 89, departed to be with his Lord on Sat. April 18, 2009. He was born on Jan. 18, 1920 in Greenville, SC, the son of John and Etta (Groce) Balyo. He grew up in Greenville and as a young boy sang in the Rotary Boy Choristers, a well known group of 50 voices, who charmed their audiences in their white trousers and blue coats. John often said the music they sang gave him an appreciation for Christian anthems and classical music. In high school he was on debating teams which was good training for a dream of attending law school. He graduated from Atlanta Law School in 1940.

 

At that point in life he answered the call to the Christian ministry and went north to get his education at Valparaiso University, Goshen College, and Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana, where he received his MDiv degree. After seminary he met Betty Lindstrand and they were married in 1945. They served a small church in Elkhart, Indiana and later a growing church in Kokomo, Indiana. In 1953 John became the minister of Cedar Hill Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio where they remained for 19 years. During his time in Cleveland, he began an extensive Bible conference and radio ministry, in addition to pastoral duties for a congregation of about 800. 

 

In 1972 John was invited to join the faculty of Grand Rapids Baptist College, now Cornerstone University. For a short period he served as pastor of Suncoast Baptist Church in New Port Richey, Florida until he was invited to join the faculty at Baptist Bible College & School of Theology in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania. In 1983, instead of retiring, John accepted the challenge to come west as the fifth president of Western Baptist College, now Corban College. This union has lasted for 25 years as John became Chancellor in 1991 and President emeritus in 2004. He was recently honored to have the newest resident hall on campus named “John G. Balyo Hall.”

 

John served for many years on the Board of Baptist Mid-Missions in Cleveland, Ohio. He possessed a life-long interest in missions and he traveled to mission fields in Africa, Europe, South America, and Korea. In addition, he conducted five tours to Israel, Egypt, and Turkey. Finally, John was an avid Cleveland Browns football fan and a supporter of the Peanuts comic strip, using many true to life quotes in sermon illustrations. John was known for his articulate speaking style and for compassion toward young men preparing for the ministry. He loved working with the younger generation which kept him going.

 

John is survived by his wife, Betty; a son, Michael; grandsons, John, of Grand Rapids, MI and James, of Flint, MI; a brother, Clyde (wife, Elsie), of Miamisburg, Ohio; sister-in-law, Kate, of Atlanta; several nieces and nephews. A son, James, preceded him in death, as well as sisters, Lucille and Claire; and a brother, William.

     A Memorial Service will be held at 1:30 pm, Saturday, April 25^th at First Baptist Church, 395 Marion St NE, Salem, In lieu of flowers a Balyo Scholarship Fund has been established at Corban College 5000 Deer Park Dr Salem, Ore 97317-9392.

Arrangements are by Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.