Jess Van Ballard, Jr.

Jess Van Ballard Jr., 86, of Houston passed away on September 25, 2014. Van was born on October 23, 1927, to Jess and Velma Ballard of Electra, Texas. He spent his formative years in Electra, a small town that provided him a great sense of family and happiness. He was proud of his Electra heritage and always said that he never experienced anything but happiness in the atmosphere that Electra offered.

In 1946, he moved from Electra to Houston to attend Rice University on an athletic scholarship. He played tailback for the Owls and was a member of the team that won the Orange Bowl in 1946 and the Southwest Conference title and the Cotton Bowl title in 1949. Rice University and the Owls played an important role in his life.

In 1950, Van married Joan Ellen Maley of Houston. She was a wonderful wife who, for 25 years, provided a loving home for Van and their two children, Lynn and Lee. Joan died in 1975 after a long battle with cancer. He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, completing his tour of duty in 1954. He returned to Houston and began a career in the insurance industry—first, with the American General Company; followed by the John L. Wortham Company; South Coast Life; the First Mortgage Company; and, last, The Anco Insurance Group where he became partner in 1969 and spent 23 years building a successful network of business and personal relationships.

Van met his present wife, Marlene Martin, in 1977 and they married in 1979. They are longtime members of the Chapelwood United Methodist Church. Van served on the administrative board at Chaplewood and was a member of the Candlelighters’ Sunday School class. He and Marlene shared a rich 35 year marriage filled social events, church and community involvement, travel and dancing

Van held a special place in his heart for Rice University. He volunteered for numerous Rice activities, including the Alumni Board, the Class Chair for fund raising, the Athletic Steering Committee, the Owl Club, and the Golden Anniversary committee.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Joan, and is survived by his wife Marlene; sister, Patsy and husband, Stanley Kirk of Houston; daughter Lynn and husband John Searcey of Plano, Texas; son Lee and wife Paige of Leawood, Kansas; son Matt Martin and wife Terri of Houston; son Miles Martin of Houston; grandson Ryan Searcey of Dallas; grandchildren Tamara, Beth and Jason Martin of Houston.

A memorial service will be help at Chapelwood United Methodist Church, 1140 Greenbay, Houston on October 3, at 1:00 PM. Reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chapelwood Foundation.

The family wishes to thank their friends for their love and caring throughout Van’s life and in his final days. Thank you to the staff at Vitas Hospice for the special care given to Van.

Within our dreams we will see your face. Within our souls we feel your love. Within our hearts you will forever stay.