John Arthur Ballew

Waterville – John Arthur Ballew, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle, died peacefully on June 5, 2016 at the Maine Veterans’ Hospice Unit at Togus in Augusta. He was born March 9, 1930 in Atlanta, Georgia to Gordon and Naomi (Gaines) Ballew. He grew up in Greenville, South Carolina and attended Clemson University and was a member of the Clemson Tigers football team.

After Clemson John enlisted in the US Navy and served his enlistment on submarines. At the start of the Korean War John was recalled to active duty but chose to enlist in the Army Air Force. Returning from Korea, John was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, where he had the good fortune to meet Helen Simon of Waterville, who was also stationed at Eglin. They were married in March 1953 and settled in Waterville.

John worked and retired from the Maine Central Railroad where he was affectionately known as “Big John”. He was a master plumber and worked for Frank Thomas and Sons Plumbing, as well as Houle’s Plumbing and Heating. John was a hard worker and instilled his strong work ethic in both his children and grandchildren.

Affectionately known as “Papa” to many, John was a wonderful, loving, kind and caring man whom we all truly loved. We will miss you, Papa!

He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Helen (Simon) Ballew and their three children: Dr. David Ballew and his wife Sonia of Clinton and their two sons: Kevin Ballew of St. Charles, Missouri and Corey Ballew and his wife Janie and their son Connor of Waterville; Dyan Ballew of Waterville; John Ballew and his wife Gina of Fairfield and their three children: Erin, Ethan and Clay. He also leaves behind two sisters: Betty Foster of Clayton, Georgia and Cathie Bryant of Easley, South Carolina, along with several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to send out a special thank you for the great care and support provided by his home health care providers and the staff at the Maine Veterans’ Hospice Unit at Togus. Your support and care for him and the family was greatly appreciated.

Honoring his wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial service. Per his request, a private prayer service with just immediate family members present was held on June 5th, upon his passing. Please visit www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com to share condolences, memories and tributes with his family.

In his own words, in lieu of “… all that fuss and muss” donations in his memory may be made to the Waterville Humane Society or S. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.