Rodney Balko, 84, of Olton, passed away Sunday, March 1, 2015, in Olton. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Ramage Funeral Directors.

Rodney was born on July 10, 1930, to Gus and Nellie Balko in Longworth, Texas. He graduated high school in Rogers, N.M. and got a degree from Draughons Business College in Lubbock. He did bookkeeping for a car dealership in Levelland. After serving two years in the U.S. Army, he went back in the auto business. Rodney married Laverne Qualls in 1958 in Clovis, N.M. He worked in auto sales in Sudan, Earth, and Hale Center. Moving to Las Cruces, N.M. in 1971, he continued in the new and used car business until retiring in 2007 due to health problems.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Kelly Bong, a step-son, Rickey West, brothers, Harvey, Doyle, and Leon Balko, and a sister, Reathea Davis.

Survivors include his wife, Laverne of Olton, son, Ken Balko and his wife, Hellis of Rochester, WA, daughter, Janna Mengus and her husband, Mike of Levelland, step-son, Danny West and his wife, Donna of Fieldton, and a step-daughter-in-law, Claudia West of Lubbock. He was blessed with seven grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and three step-great-grandchildren.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the Runningwater Draw Care Center P.O. Box 409 Olton, TX 79064.