Matthew Aaron Ballenger

April 7, 1983 - December 6, 2012

Matthew Aaron Ballenger Age 29, of Braceville, IL, passed away suddenly Thursday, December 6, 2102 due to injuries suffered in an automobile accident. Born April 7, 1983 in Joliet, IL. Graduated from Braceville Grade School and GSW High School. Employed by Hoekstra Transport (Trucking) of St. Anne, IL. He was lovingly known for his smile, sense of humor, willingness to help anyone, and his love of family. Matthew was known to many as Peanut, a name given him in infancy, as well as Bear. He was a very proud father of Colton George Ballenger who was born September 14, 2012 and a second father to Brianna and Andrew, the children of his love and partner for four years; Nicole Nelson. Matthew is survived by his mother and step-father, Patricia and Robert Domagala of Braceville; brother, Craig (Kelly Shoop) Bresley of Greyslake, IL and their children, David and Amber Shoop of Honalulu, Hawaii, and Jennifer Shoop, Alexis Weese Bresley, and Cheyenne Bresley, all of Greyslake, IL; brother, Michael Domagala of Braceville; his grandmother, Barbara Ballenger of Braceville; uncle, Kenneth (Cathy Jo Stark) Ballenger of Braceville, Mona Ballenger, and their children, Holly (Ian Mellandorf) Ballenger and Hadley Lynn Mellandorf of Braceville, Kiley (Mike) Haberzetle and Ace Haberzetle of Gardner, Cody Ballinger of Godley, IL, and Drew Ballenger of Braceville, uncle, Roy Ballenger of Braceville, and his children, Christopher (Maria) Ballinger of FL and two sons and one daughter. Matthew was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, George Ballenger as well as his biologic father. Matthew will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to have known him in life. Cremation rites will be accorded. Memorial service will be at the R.W. Patterson Funeral Homes, Ltd. & Crematory, Braidwood Chapel, Sunday, December 9, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. with visitation three hours preceding services. Pastor Andrea Boggs will officiate. Inurnment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials gifts may be directed to Nicole Nelson.