Jesse E. Ballew

Jesse E. Ballew, Sr., 89 of Odessa, MO passed away Monday, August 24, 2015 at his residence. The family will greet friends from 5 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, August 28, 2015 at the Odessa congregation of the Community of Christ followed by a Celebration of Life to be held at 8:00 p.m., Friday at the church. Cremation will follow the funeral service and graveside inurnment services will be 12:00 p.m., Monday, August 31, 2015 at the Mound Grove Cemetery. Donations may be made in his name to the Odessa VFW Post #5675 or to the Independence Lions Club. Jesse was born July 8, 1926 in Independence, MO to Toney and Lola (Hendershot) Ballew and has been a lifelong area resident. He worked as a machinist and had worked for 30 years at Westinghouse and later for Bendix before retiring in 1986. He enjoyed latch-hook, and had played Santa Clause for the VFW, family and shopping centers. He was a member of the Odessa Community of Christ, the Masonic Lodge, VFW Post #5675 in Odessa, the Independence Lions Club and was scoutmaster for Troop #161 at East Alton Community of Christ, Troop #233 at Liberty Street Community of Christ and #383 at E. 39th St. Community of Christ. He was a veteran of the US Navy having proudly served in WWII. He is survived by: 5 children, Betty McClatchey and husband Stan of Independence, MO, Alice Loeffler and husband Mike of Seattle, WA, Phillip Ballew and wife Kathy of Odessa, MO, Jesse “Jay” Ballew of Oak Grove, MO and Janet Scott and husband Bill of Raytown, MO; 16 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren and 12 great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Pearl in 1994, his parents, 2 sisters, 4 brothers, a grandson and a granddaughter. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)