Robert Balderas

Robert “Bob” Balderas was born in El Paso, Texas on November 10, 1930.  He was the youngest of 11 children born to Jose Apolinar Balderas and Maria Centeno Balderas.

He graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1949 and later served in the United States Army during the Korean War. His military duty was interrupted when he was called to serve a two-year mission in Mexico for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

In 1953, he married and was sealed to Josefina Duran for time and all eternity in the Mesa, Arizona Temple, before resuming his stint for the Army. This led to his being stationed in Hawaii, where their first daughter, Maria Elena (Marilyn) was born. Upon completion of his duty in the Army, they settled in Los Angeles, where he took evening classes at Woodbury College which led him to his career in accounting.

Robert had a deep love for different styles of music, including music of the Big Band Era, classical music, and church hymns, for which he enjoyed leading various choirs in church, all the while serving as clerk for various wards. He enjoyed working many years in the Los Angeles Temple, where he officiated over countless ordinances.

Robert is survived by his five children: Marilyn Talbot (Richard), Dora Livingston (Rudy), Albert, Al and Arthur. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.