BALFANTZ

Johnny Gleason Balfantz, 66, born on Oct. 1, 1946, in New Orleans, passed away Monday, June 10, 2013, at his residence in Bogalusa.

He was a retired veteran in the United States Navy and served in Vietnam.

He is survived by a sister, Sandra (Ricky) Hall of Bogalusa; a nephew, John R. Bufkin III of Bogalusa; numerous nieces, Wendy K. Williams of Ocean Springs, Miss., Terry Kemp of Bush and Robin (Doug) Simpson of Kentwood; numerous great-nieces and nephews; his lifelong friend since fourth grade until the service, George DeMare of Bogalusa. A special thanks to Ann Daniels.

His parents, Russell Louis Balfantz and Flavia Gleason Hunt Balfantz, preceded him in death.

Visitation will be held Friday, June 14, at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home from 10:30 a.m. until time for the funeral services at 2 p.m. in the funeral home chapel, with Elder Billy Ray Hines, the Rev. Eddie Hartfield and the Rev. Billy Pierce officiating. Interment will follow at Ponemah Cemetery, with military graveside services conducted by Magic City American Legion Post 24.

To view and sign online, visit www.pooleritchiefuneralhome.com.