Alamo - Elvis "Joe" Ballew (May 28, 1931-June 12, 2021

Dedicated teacher of the PSJA ISD serving the district for 38 years has joined his maker in heaven on another assignment. He spent his entire career teaching in the PSJA District. He has been named teacher of the year 5 times and even had a high school named after him and in his honor. He has served on many boards and committees at PSJA. He has taught 3 generations of students during his tenure. Born in Dallas, TX, he was raised by his adoptive parents Steve and Lucy Ballew of San Saba, TX where at attended school through high school. He attended Sol Ross University, depleted his college funds, drafted in the US Army where he received an honorable discharge, returned to Sol Ross and the University of Texas at Austin where he received his Bachelor's Degree. Returning to Sol Ross he completed his Master's Degree. Then to PSJA until retirement. During his teaching career he met the love of his life Joyce Marie Marlow, a special eds teacher, and they were married for 38 years when she predeceased him in 2013. He had 2 step children, Cheri Stripling (predeceased him), and Michael Marlow. 2 step grandchildren: Donald J. Marlow and Kelly Marlow. A step granddaughter Michelle Martin, her husband Clayton and son Knox Martin. A sister-in-law, Lila M Bailey, husband Mel, their son Clifton and daughter Laura Nowak and 2 grandchildren. Most important, a brother-in-law who was his devoted care giver and friend, Glen E. Johnson. Joe was very dedicated to his church the 1st Baptist Church of Pharr, Pharr, TX where he was a Sunday School Teacher, a Choir Member, and served on many boards and committees.

A Memorial Service will be held at the 1st Baptist Church of Pharr, at 400 W Ridge Rd. Pharr, TX on June 21, 2021 at 4:00 PM.

Joe requested any donations be made to the 1st Baptist Church of Pharr in lieu of flowers. Cremation arrangements are under the care of Aurora Funeral Home Sam Houston of Pharr.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Monitor on Jun. 18, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Elvis Ballew

13 Entries

Maria Anna Barrera Esparza

May 16, 2025

Mr. Ballew,
you were such an inspiration to this Rio Grande Valley/PSJA girl. You taught us the meaning of respect and dignity....and how to conduct proper research! This was a Civics class, but you taught us so much more . You were the epitome of a wonderful role model to look up to. I loved your class and I felt so lucky to have you as a teacher. Thank you for choosing to teach in the Valley. You could have gone anywhere else, but you stayed for those of us who needed someone like you in their lives desperately. I will always remember you.

Doreen Jaime Morgan

November 17, 2021

He made a huge impact on my life and how I viewed things. Mr. Bellew brought life into our class by sharing his. He believed in all of us. I felt I could do anything I set my mind to thanks to him. He beat my parents to heaven by a month. No doubt he welcomed them and shared stories.

Andres Guerra

June 26, 2021

Mr. Ballew was a kind, inspiring and patient teacher.
Anytime my wife and I speak of our "High School Day", Mr. Ballew is the 1st teacher I remember. Rarely did I feel the need to take notes in his class, his tone of voice and the way he delivered his lesson/lecture was enough.

With Great Respect and Admiration To Great Educator.
My Deepest Sympathies To Mr. Ballews´ Family.
Rest Well Sir.

Andres (Andy) Guerra
Class of 1980

Dewayne Finn

June 22, 2021

The world has lost the a great teacher of youth but most importantly an awesome human being. His affect on my life concerning my love of learning is beyond measure. God Speed Mr. Ballew. The world could use more Mr. Ballews!

Ofelia de los Santos

June 21, 2021

Mr. Ballew was a gentleman and a scholar. The words that come to mind when thinking of him are respect, manners and excellence. He treated everyone with respect and had lovely manners. I still have a note he sent my husband and on the day of our wedding. We both worked at the high school when we met. Mr. Ballew did not differentiate color, race, gender or nationality among high school students - he treated us all the same. He was our chaperone at almost every dance during my 4 years at PSJA ((1963 -1966)and knew exactly how to correct behavior without disrespecting anybody. It was a privilege to know him as a student and later as a co-worker. We loved him dearly. We offer our sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Dr. Miguel and Ofelia (Garza) de los Santos, Edinburg, Texas.

Sandy Skinner Propst

June 21, 2021

I had Mr. Ballew in the early '60's and had such admiration for a fantastic teacher and a true gentleman. We met during the years long after I graduated high school, college, married and inherited our family funeral homes, when I met Mr. Ballew many times. He met married Joyce after my husband and I married, and he was truly a happy man meeting the love of his life. He was loved and admired by so many of his students, as witnessed by his many times voted favorite teacher of the year. I send condolences to his family. Everyone that knew him was blessed by this wonderful man.

Michelle Brocklesby

June 20, 2021

Mr. Ballew leaves behind a tremendous legacy - a great teacher and a great human being.

Darice Angel

June 18, 2021

I had Mr. Ballew as a teacher my senior year at PSJA and I still have vivid memories of those classes. He was a true gentleman. Condolences to his family and friends.

Darice Angel
Class of 1973

beatriz vento

June 18, 2021

Mr. Ballew stood in the hall as classes changed at PSJA...he had a smile for everyone...many stopped to chat, ask questions etc. One day he focused on me and asked if he could be of any assistance, did I have a question, was I doing alright. I so pleased and stunned; he made my day and off I went. God bless you Mr. Ballew for that moment of encouragement that went a long way. Mrs. Bea Ramirez Vento 1961 Grad.

Mary Ann Moore

June 18, 2021

A man of great integrity. He and Joyce were made for each other - both wonderful people.

Becky Martinez

June 18, 2021

Mr. Ballew was an amazing teacher who literally shared the world with us, as he would tell us stories about growing up in San Saba, Tx ,serving in the military, studying at his beloved UT, traveling to interesting places, sponsoring the senior trip to DC and that enormous world map in the back wall of his classroom. Rest in peace sir, you have arrived at your heavenly destination. Once a Bear, always a bear. Class 1983

JOE ESPINOSA

June 18, 2021

Thanks for your legacy and the memories. You shall never be forgotten.
CLASS OF 1980!

Concepcion S.Flores

June 18, 2021

Mr.Ballew was a great teacher and friend .

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