Everett L. (Tiny) Balmer, 86

June 30, 1937 - January 24, 2025

Everett L. (Tiny) Balmer, 86, passed away Friday, January 24, 2025, at Brethren Village. Born June 30, 1937, in Clay Township, he was the son of Abram and Hilda Balmer. He was a resident of Brethren Village, Lititz, since 2018 after having lived in Schaefferstown, Lebanon County for 55 years.

Surviving is his wife of ten years, Laura (Forney) Balmer. He was also the husband of Jacqueline (Matthews) Balmer for 50 years prior to her passing in 2010. Also surviving are two daughters, Betsy Jo Rights wife of Scott of Cornwall, and Beth Ann Pickerd wife of Daniel of West Chester, four grandchildren, Hillary Funari wife of Joseph of Phoenixville, Meredith Rights of Lebanon, Keaton Pickerd and Delaney Pickerd of West Chester, and a great-granddaughter, June Jacqueline Funari. Also surviving is a brother, Vernon Balmer husband of Ruth Ann as well as many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by brother Kenneth Balmer of Telford.

He was a 1955 graduate of Heidelberg High School, Schaefferstown. During the many years of residing in Schaefferstown, he was a faithful member and volunteer at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church. More recently, he was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Lancaster. He was a devout follower of the Christian faith.

He retired from Wilbur Chocolate Company in Lititz after 10 years employment and was also employed at Bethlehem Steel in Lebanon County for 25 years.

He was a sports enthusiast, faithfully following all of the Penn State sports as well as many others.

He enjoyed reminiscing about growing up on the family farm in Reistville and talking about life’s lessons instilled in him there by his parents. In retirement, he was meticulous about maintaining the “family homestead”, enjoyed traveling in the USA and abroad – especially the Holy Lands. As a resident of Brethren Village, he enjoyed participating in corn hole and shuffleboard tournaments with his friends.

Everett’s knowledge and interest in cars was extensive. In his earlier years, Everett purchased and totally restored a 1930 Ford Model A with which he enjoyed traveling the country roads of Lebanon County. He was a member of the Antique Automobile Club and often exhibited his Model A at the annual show in Hershey. More recently to took great pride and joy in his Mustang Convertible, which he loved sharing with his grandchildren.

Everett had many friends and acquaintances and was, himself, a very generous and loyal friend. But above all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and especially loved accompanying his grandchildren on their annual trek to Hershey Park, as well as riding every roller coaster in sight – well into his 80’s. What a young-at-heart and fun-loving guy! He will be greatly missed by all who have known him.

Burial will be at the convenience of the family. A Memorial Service will be at the Brethren Village Chapel 3001 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543, on Saturday February 1, 2025, at 11am.

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