Charles H. Ballenger, 88, of Iola, Kansas, died Friday, August 14, 2009, at the Allen County Hospital. Charles was born August 18, 1920 in Neosho County, Kansas, the son of George Lee and Elsie Ellen (Bowlby) Ballenger. He grew up on farms west of Iola. Charles married Aileen F. Wood and they made their home in Humboldt. He was a self-employed machinist and electrician. They moved to their home east of Iola in 1983 from Cherryvale, Kansas. His wife preceded him in death on March 18, 2008. He had his pilot license and owned a third interest in a plane. He loved to fly and enjoyed gardening and caring for stray animals. SURVIVORS: 1 Daughter: Virginia "Ginger" Coltrane & husband, Gary of rural LaHarpe, KS 1 Son: Chuck Ballenger of Edmond, OK 2 Grandchildren: Jennifer Johnson and Brian Coltrane 2 Great Grandchildren: Kaylie and Colton Johnson He was preceded in death by a sister, Edith Winsor. FUNERAL SERVICE: 10:00 a.m., Monday, Aug. 17, 2009, at the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola. BURIAL: Highland Cemetery, Iola, KS MEMORIAL: Allen County Animal Rescue Foundation (ACARF). Memorial gifts may be left with the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be left at this website, www.iolafuneral.com.