Walter D. Ballew

Walter Ballew, 89 years old, April 13, 1930 – Jan 28, 2020.  Preceded in death by his wife of 38 years, Rita Ballew, and son, Donald Ballew.  Survived by his son, Thomas Ballew (Janet) and daughter, Cheryl Morrison (Michael), 6 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren, and his brother, Von Ballew (Jean).

He earned Eagle Scout in Troop 72 Indianapolis and served as Assistant Scout Master and Scout Master in Troop 88 Indianapolis and Troop 124 Carmel while his sons were active.  He also served with the Local and District Scout Councils for a total of 30 years of active Scouting service.  He served in the Navy 1948/49 and was home attending Butler University when his Reserve Unit was called back into active duty.  He served on the Destroyer USS Melvin 1950/52 as Shopkeeper/Gunner on a Goodwill Tour to Italy, Spain, France, Germany, England and Northern Ireland and Norway.  He married Rita in 1951 and they had 3 children. He worked in sales in the steel industry for Cold Metal Products which was purchased by J&L Steel and then taken over by LTV Steel.  Upon retirement he bought a small service business with his wife Rita.  When Rita fell ill to cancer, he sold the business to take care of her.  After her death in 1989, he volunteered for American Cancer Society as a driver for Hope Lodge.  He was a member of the Broad Ripple Sertoma Club beginning in 1992 and served in many capacities.  He was Club Secretary and was named District Secretary 1n 1995 and 1996.  He was named Club Sertoman of the Year in 1998 and District Sertoman of the Year in 1999.  He served as District Governor in 2000.  He also earned the Centurion Award and Lifetime Member Award for Sertoma.  He enjoyed his many years of “Service to Man” through the Sertoma Club.  He and his brother Von, were both Eagle Scouts and  Sertoma members and worked together researching and recording their family genealogy.

Friends and family are invited to gather from 10:00am-1:00pm on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at Flanner Buchanan- Carmel.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Broad Ripple Sertoma Legacy fund or American Cancer Society.