Chris A. Ashby Balwanz, 40, of Barnesville, Ohio formerly of Waycross, Georgia, died Friday, August 13, 2010 as the result of an auto accident.

He was born October 17, 1969 in Waycross, Georgia. He worked in Tower Maintenance.

Chris was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Ricky Ashby, C. Grant Balwanz II and Stacy Ashby.

Surviving are his mother and stepfather, Shirley Stapleton Massey and Tim Massey of Alma, Georgia, his father and stepmother, Richard Z. Ashby and Sharon Ashby of Madisonville, Tennessee; stepfather, C. Grant Balwanz of Georgia; 2 daughters, Chris Ann Koher and Crystal Koher and the mother of his children, Amy Koher all of Bellaire; a brother, Vernon Balwanz of St. Clairsville; a sister, Tonya Williams, maternal grandmother, Lillie Thrift, special uncle and aunt, Jesse "Buddy" and Vonda Stapleton all of Waycross, Georgia; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be no visitation. Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Service which will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday at the Glencoe American Legion.

A Memorial Service in Georgia is also being planned and will be announced at a later time.

Arrangements are entrusted to Toothman Funeral Home in St. Clairsville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Chris Ann and Crystal Koher fund, 3784 Tallman Ave., Bellaire, OH 43906.