Memorial services for Billy Bales, 91, of Albert Lea will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday at United Methodist Church. The Rev. John Mitchem will officiate. Military honors will be accorded by local serviceman’s organizations. Friends may greet the family one hour prior to the service at the church Tuesday. Online condolences are welcome at www.bayviewfuneral.com.

Billy died Thursday, March 29, 2018, at Good Samaritan Society of Albert Lea.

Billy Bales was born Dec. 12, 1926, in Hartshorne, Oklahoma, the son of William and Marie (Martin) Bales. He grew up in Oklahoma and attended Heavener Schools. Billy enlisted in the Navy during World War II, where he served on the USS Hollandia.

On May 24, 1952, Billy was united in marriage to Helen Vera Shannon and they lived in Denver. He worked for Gardner Denver, a mining equipment manufacturer. After retirement Billy and Helen moved to Oklahoma and in 2005 the couple moved to Albert Lea.

Billy enjoyed woodworking, fishing and hunting. He volunteered for Colorado Search and Rescue for eight years with a bloodhound named Moses. Billy searched on many occasions, including the search for Ted Bundy after he escaped from jail in Colorado.

Billy is survived by his daughter, Lora (David) Virgil; grandchildren Brenna (Rocky) Woolery, Carmen (Gabriel) VanBuren, Lucas Virgil and Melissa (Pete) Ellenson; 11 great-grandchildren; sister, Lois Weaver; one niece; and other extended family.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Helen; and one brother.