Ward Balch 81, of Athens, died on Sunday, December 29, 2013, at the Creek Side Living Center in Battle Creek.Mr. Balch was born on September 19, 1932, in Battle Creek to Leon P. and Mabel E. (Pattinson)Balch. He graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1951. On August 30, 1969, he married Garnett Rae Isted Wech in East Leroy.Mr. Balch worked for the Village of Athens for 19 years retiring in 1993. He was a member of the National Rifle Association, Centerline Gun Club, Sturgis Gun Club, Barry County Gun Club. He was an avid trap shooter and enjoyed using his Browning Shotguns!He is survived by his children Theresa (Stephen) Moore-Schultz of Bedford, Randy (Cathy) Balch of Battle Creek, Becky (Steve) Root of Marshall, Robert Wech of Coldwater, and Michael (Cathy) Wech of Grand Rapids. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brothers and sisters Elizabeth Keen-Pluff, Charles Balch, Harold Balch, James Balch, Betty Ackley, Leonard Balch, Edward Balch, Joyce Balch in infancy, and a granddaughter Monica Wech- Kitchen.Visitation will take place at the Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home on Friday, January 3, 2014, from 3pm-5pm with family present to greet friends at that time. Funeral services celebrating his life will take place at 5pm on Friday, January 3, 2014, at the Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home with Pastor Ralph Cates officiating. Memorial Contributions are requested to CentraCare of Battle Creek. Assistance with memorials is available at the Kempf Funeral Home.