Robert L Balsam, Jr. Obituary (1957 - 2014)

Robert 'Bob' L. Balsam, Jr., 57, entered into eternal rest on Friday, December 5, 2014, at his home in Milford, Ohio. Bob was born January 2, 1957, in Galveston, Texas, the son of Lois and Robert L. Balsam, Sr. He grew up in Houston, TX, where he began a career in the convention and trade show industry that spanned over 30 years. At the time of Bob's passing he was employed by Global Spectrum as the Assistant General Manager at the Duke Energy Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. Bob returned to Ohio this past July after serving 5 years as the General Manager of the Miami Beach Convention Center. Prior to joining Global Spectrum, Bob served as the Director of Sales at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, TX; Senior Event Manager and Guest Services Manager at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, CA; Convention Manager at the Freeman Companies/Sullivan Transfer Company in Dallas, TX; Assistant Manager of Operations at the Albert Thomas Convention Center in Houston, TX; Event Coordinator at the Astrodome in Houston, TX. Bob was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Lois Balsam. Bob is survived by his Sisters Denise Balsam and Pamela Balsam, both of League City, TX, his extended family Arnold, Alex, Eddie, Meddie, Grace, Jan Rae, and Carl Chavez from Milford, OH, the entire Chavez family, Uncle Felix and Aunt Lou Balsam, Aunt Lillian Walker, and numerous cousins. Bob also leaves a lifelong friend who was closer than a brother, Johnny Onstead, who Bob always thought of and referred to as 'my brother'; longtime and close friends Mark and Beverly Peterson, Meg Winchester and Gail Mutnik. Bobby's love and faith in Jesus Christ enabled him to face cancer with a peace that surpasses all understanding. He loved life, people and sports, especially his beloved Dallas Cowboys! Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at Noon. Memorial service will follow at 1:00 pm, in the Chapel at Carnes Funeral Home in Texas City, TX, with Pastor Michael Garcia of Grace Christian Center, Officiating.