R. Creel Ballew, 1937-2021

R. Creel Ballew, 84, of Austin, TX, formerly of Liberty, TX, and Mexico, MO, passed away on Saturday, November 13, 2021.

Born in Mexico, MO, on January 24, 1937, to parents W. Roy and Ruth A. Ballew, he married Ann S. Ballew on July 29, 1960. They preceded him in death.

Creel was a devoted son, husband, father, and friend. He will be greatly missed by those who knew him.

Mr. Ballew was a proud member of the Mexico High School class of ‘55 and graduated from the University of Missouri in 1956. He maintained a fifty-year membership in Scottish Rite, achieving 32nd degree.

His professional career started with Kaiser Refractories and concluded with retirement from National Refractories.

He enjoyed sports, fishing, and reading. His greatest joy was interacting with people. He was gifted the ability to connect with everyone, often with humor.

He is survived by a daughter, Cheri Ballew of Austin, TX, and sons Marc (Jennifer) Ballew of Palestine, TX, and Todd Ballew of St. Paul, MN; grandchildren Jessica (Corey) Velasquez, Joli Ballew, Janna Ballew, Adrian (Donnie) Brannon, and Josh (Frances) Ballew; and great grandchildren Casey, Megen, Annie, Isabella, and Parker.

“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” -Eleanor Roosevelt

Final arrangements are with Neptune Society. A memorial service will be held at a future date. A special thank you to Hospice Austin and the staff at Colonial Gardens of Austin. The family requests memorial donations be made to your local animal shelter.