Richard Leon Ballew, 71, of Madison, Illinois, passed away at 9:14 a.m. on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at his home with his family by his side.
He was born August 22, 1952, in Granite City, a son of the late Lee Roy Ballew and the late Shirley “Jean” (Smock) Elders.
He married his beloved angel, Paula Sue (Broadway) Ballew on June 3, 1972, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Madison and she survives.
Richard retired after 16 years of dedicated service to his community as a police officer with the City of Madison. He was currently working as a security supervisor with Cerro Copper in Sauget with Garda Security. He proudly served his country with the United States National Guard. He was a lifetime member of the Illinois Police Benevolent and Protective Association, the Illinois Police Association and the Madison County Sheriff’s Association. He was also a member of the Masonic East Lodge #504 in Fairview Heights and St. Mary & St. Mark Catholic Church. Richard was also a founding member and on the Board of Directors of the Phoenix Crisis Center, served as a commissioner of Camp Sunnen Boy Scout Camp in Potosi, Missouri, served on the Board of Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Edwardsville and had worked for the church at the fellowship hall. Richard lived a full life, very active in his community, loved his days of fishing or riding his motorcycle, enjoyed his years of playing music and playing the drums, tending to his yard and was always wanting to care for his wife. He cherished his children and grandchildren and will be remembered for the love and special times shared with his family and friends.
In addition to his cherished wife of 51 years, he is survived by his stepmothers, Christine Ballew of Maryville and Charlene Elders of Farmington, Missouri; five children, Krista Ballew and fiancé, Kyle Mueller of Brighton, Amber Knight and husband, Phil Knight of Granite City, Tiffany Crain and husband, Ed Crain of Godfrey, Brittany Biver and husband, Skyler Biver of Granite City and Phillip Ballew of St. Louis; eleven grandchildren, Trevor Lucas, Mackenzie Lucas, Phineas Knight, Lucille Knight, Mason Crain, Morgan Crain, Jonathan Callahan, Declan Biver, Tobi Ballew, Westley Ballew and Rory Ballew; sister, Robyn Hermann and husband, Mark Hermann of Maryville; brother-in-law, James “Jim” Broadway and wife, Missy Broadway of Glen Carbon; sister-in-law, Brenda Broadway of Texas; many nieces; nephews; other extended family and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepfather, Loren M. Elders and his brother, Roy E. Ballew.
In celebration of his life, visitation will be at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City, on Monday, February 26, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 4:00 p.m. and a Masonic Service at 7:00 p.m.
Visitation will continue at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Madison on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until time of a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. with Father Steve Thompson as celebrant.
Burial will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Edwardsville.
Memorials may be made to the Missouri Baptist Cancer Center in Town and Country, Missouri or to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Madison and may be accepted at the funeral chapel.
