John G. Bales

John Guy Bales was born February 20, 1954 in Newport, Rhode Island, to Roger and Mary (Toll) Bales. He graduated in 1973 from Melcher High School. He married Susan Shelley on June 28, 1980 in Melcher and they were blessed with two children: Andrew and Amy. John worked for Firestone for 37 years and retired in 2009. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and riding his motorcycle. He also liked tinkering and collecting antiques. John always looked out for his family and did what he felt was the best for them. He loved helping people, he cared about others, and his greatest joy was his grandchildren. John was preceded in death by his parents: Roger Bales and Mary Kalnins. John passed November 27, 2011.He is survived by his wife, Susan; children: Andrew Bales of Lacona and Amy Stillabower (Eric Freeman) of Williamson; grandchildren: Peyton, Rylee, Mikayla, Kassi, Aaliyah, Jack, and Delilah; mother, Jane Bales of Knoxville, step-father, Talivaldis Kalnins, Sr; and brothers: Rusty Bales, Scott Bales, Ed Kalnins, Talivaldis Kalnins, Jr., and Marty Kalnins.