Weldon Tillman Ballew

A memorial service for Weldon Ballew, 82, of Ignacio, Colorado will be conducted at 2:00 PM, Saturday, November 30, 2024 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 120 County Road 319, Ignacio, CO 81137.

Weldon Ballew passed away early Saturday morning, November 23, 2024. 

What words could be used to describe Weldon? Many have said he was a kind man, a man who was full of love and life, a generous man, a man of strength and courage, but most of all he was a man of faith. The old saying “never met a stranger” fit Weldon like a glove. He could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. Those who had the privilege of meeting Weldon got an earful. He had stories and jokes galore. You would always walk away with a smile on your face.

Weldon was born on July 25, 1942 in Waco, Texas to Woodrow and Lois Ballew. The story goes that when he came home from the hospital, he was so small that he slept in a shoe box. Weldon has five siblings. Mary Katherine, Ted, Linda, Thad, and Susie. They grew up on a farm near Waco, TX. Fishing was one of his favorite pastimes as a young man. He loved to fish the Brazos river with his family.

Sparks flew when Weldon first laid eyes on Carol Red at the Kingdom Hall in Bellmead. Weldon was head over heels in love with her. They were married April 10, 1965. Two years into their marriage, they were blessed with a son, Jeffrey. He would be their only child. The couple lived many happy years in The Woodlands, Texas next to his wife’s parents. In 2008, his wife was diagnosis with early onset dementia, so they moved to Ignacio, Colorado to be near their son, Jeff, daughter-in-law, Angela, and grandsons Dakota and Dylan.

Weldon took extraordinary care of his wife for six years as her dementia progressed. Those who knew him at this time, marveled at the love and care he showed for his beloved wife. She passed at the young age of 64. All who met him for the first time, were shown a worn picture he carried in his wallet of Carol and you would get a little taste of his love for her. 

Weldon was affectionately known as PawPaw to his grandsons and close friends and he was an integral part of his grandson’s lives. Pawpaw was involved in their school events, and his pride of their accomplishments could be seen by all. Pawpaw often went fishing, hunting, and camping with the family. He was also a fine example to his family of a spiritual man. 

Pawpaw was further blessed with two granddaughters by marriage, Shania and Kadyn. He always said that he would have love to have had a daughter. Well now he had two. Then in Jan. 2022, his great-grandson Kade was born. He was over the top with joy. Pawpaw loved to spend time with him. He would tell Kade that when he got bigger they would go to town for some ice cream. 

Weldon is preceeded in death by his wife, Carol Ballew, father, Woodrow Ballew, mother, Lois Ballew.

 Weldon was known for his big heart and the love he shared with all those he called his friend. It didn’t matter if you were eight or eighty, he always had time to visit. His smile and slow southern drawl will be missed greatly.