DOVER - Stephen J. Ballinger passed away Oct. 24, 2012 at home surrounded by his loved ones. Born in Philadelphia, Pa. on Jan. 1946 son of Ida Ballinger-Kain. He graduated from John Bartram High School in Philadelphia. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Military retiring after 23 years as a MSGT for the United States Air Force. After retirement he took on another career as a correction officer for the State of Delaware, retiring after 18 years as a Sgt. His favorite sport was football, "Eagles" every time. Stephen loved to play cards with family and friends, eating out, his time with his grandchildren and forever taking photos., he was a loving family man and will be greatly missed by all who came into his life near and far and overseas. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by, two sons, Kevin Ballinger and Stephen Ballinger, Jr.; three brothers, George Ballinger, Harold Kain, Robert Kain; and his beloved granddaughter, Alexis Gingerich, He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Valerie Ballinger of Dover; three sons, Shawn and his wife Shauna of Denver, Colo., Shane and his wife Kelly of Baldwin City, Kan., John and his wife Tiffany of Dover; five daughters, Stephanie and her husband Ken Tucker of Milford, Dawn and her husband James Remondi of Hartly, Kim and her husband David Foster of England, Kerry and her husband George McClure of Smyrna, and Mia Davies of Dover; six grandsons, Dylan and Mitchell Remondi, Pax Ballinger, Cole Ballinger, Austin Ballinger and Luke Foster; eight granddaughters, Gemma Foster, Rileigh, Jenna and Seirra Ballinger, Kennidy and Lexi Tucker, Phoebe and Kayla McClure; two brothers, Richard Kain of Philadelphia, Phillip Kain and his wife Cindy of Philadelphia; sister, Patricia Kain of Philadelphia; sister-in-law, Frances Ballinger of New Jersey; and extended family and in laws in England. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 29, 2012 at Torbert Funeral Chapel South, 1145 E. Lebanon Road (Rt.10), Dover. A viewing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday evening. Interment will be in Sharon Hills Memorial Park Cemetery, Dover. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to Delaware Hospice, 911 S. Dupont Highway, Dover, DE 19901. Letters of condolence may be sent and the guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com.