Don Balkcom

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Don Balkcom, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2024, at age 92.  Born in Erick, Oklahoma, he and Joan moved to Albuquerque in 1957, dedicating themselves to making their adopted city a better place to live.

A former federal bank examiner in Oklahoma City, he decided to become a CPA and accepted a job with the former Neff & Company in Albuquerque.  In 1962, he and a partner started the Balkcom & Weaver CPA firm, retiring in 1995.  The firm is still in existence today, as Balkcom & Company, now being run by his son and grandson. A testament to his vision and example.

Serving tirelessly as community volunteer, he served as President of the NM Society of CPA’s, the Lovelace Board of Advisors, the Lions Club and the Albuquerque Armed Forces Advisory Association.  He was nominated to serve on the NM Public Accountancy Board, served as a Kirtland AFB Honorary Commander, and State Chair of the NM Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve (NMESGR), subsequently serving as the Ombudsmen between employers and the military.  He was also heavily involved in the Albuquerque Jaycees, the National Atomic Museum Foundation, Tanoan Country Club, and the Ballut Abyad Temple, as part of the Loco Patrol.  He was a 23rd degree Mason.

His service to his community and profession earned him recognition from then-President George W. Bush as the recipient of the “Point of Light” award, the “Public Service” award from the NM Society of CPAs, and the “Lifetime Achievement” award from the NMESGR.

Don is survived by his brother Jerry, his loving wife of 66 years, Joan, his son Keith (Lurette) and daughter Becky Perry (Dave), along with his adoring grandkids Chris, Ben, Daniel Perry, and Nicole Perry.  His “inherited” grandkids also played an important role in his life, Chris Emerson, Jacob Emerson, and Dejah Moss.  He’s also survived by 6 great-grandchildren.

We’ll always cherish the many holidays and weekends spent at our parents/grandparents’ vacation home in Angel Fire…shoveling snow, sledding, skiing, golfing, eating his grilled steaks, and sharing time together as a family.  Where we not only have our memories but continue to create new ones.  Just as he would have wanted.

A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at 11:00 AM, French – Lomas Chapel, 10500 Lomas Blvd NE.  A family graveside service will be held at the Santa Fe National Cemetery later.  In lieu of flowers, should friends desire, contributions may be made to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 9500 Constitution NE, Albuquerque NM 87112, or the NMSCPA Foundation for Education (Don Balkcom Memorial Scholarship), 3400 Menaul Blvd NE, Albuquerque NM 87107, to help inspire others to follow his footsteps into the profession he loved.