Mr. Balthazar's remains were cremated in Houston, Texas and a memorial service was convened shortly after in Houston on January 18, 2014. As a courtesy to this family with which the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home has a long association, we are posting his obituary and the arrangements in Natchitoches.

A memorial service honoring the life of Mr. Ruben Walker Balthazar will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 25, 2014 in the sanctuary of Asbury United Methodist Church, 704 Fifth Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana with Reverend Karli D. Pidgeon officiating.
Mr. Ruben Walker Balthazar, formerly of Natchitoches, returned to God on Sunday, January 12, 2014 in Houston, TX. He was the son of the late Rueal and Jimmie Lee Walker Balthazar. His grandparents were the late Owen (Bum) and Emily Dyas Walker and Lawrence and Vivian Long Balthazar.
Ruben was baptized and confirmed in the Holy Spirit at Asbury United Methodist Church Natchitoches. He secured his formal education at St. Anthony Piegay Memorial Catholic School of Natchitoches and was a graduate of the Natchitoches Central High School class of 1971 before continuing for a period at Grambling State University. Upon moving to Houston, TX, he began a career as an offshore seaman in the Mineral and Oil Industry for over 15 years. Ruben acquired many friends due to his charismatic personality and dapper style of dress and excelled at the art of living.
"Hankuna Matata, what a wonderful phrase!" That's a cute little jingle made popular through "The Lion King", but to Ruben, it was a way of life. He was extroverted, outgoing, laid back and always knew what to say to make you laugh and forget whatever was troubling you. He was plainly a free spirit and a free spirit is a happy one, no matter what age, background or state he lived. Ruben was free spirited and happy not because he didn't care, for his love for his friends and family was deep and true. Ruben was happy because he strove to see the silver lining in almost all things that crossed his path.
Ruben is survived by his wife Phyllis Walker, two daughters Nikitia Presley of Atlanta, GA and Roben Nelson and husband Derrick of Houston, TX; two grandchildren Bryce and Baily Nelson of Houston, TX. sister Emily S. Tillis and husband Morris of Missouri City, TX; brothers Otis James Walker and Larry Balthazar, Sr. and wife Leslie of Houston, TX; Aunts Victoria Walker Helaire of Natchitoches, LA and Louella Blount of New York, NY; Uncle Clifford Walker of Dallas, TX. Cherishing his memory is a large and wonderful host of other relatives and loving friends.
"Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come singing to Zion; and everlasting joy shall be on their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away." Isaiah 51:11