Von Taylor Ballew

Von Taylor Ballew of Carmel, Indiana, passed away on September 21, 2023. Von was born in Indianapolis on November 26, 1926. He graduated from Shortridge High School and then Purdue University. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. During the end of World War II, he was a sailor for the U.S. Navy, then returned to Purdue, where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta and manager of the Boilermaker’s football team. Von married his college sweetheart, Jean Fuller, on August 19, 1950. After graduating from Purdue with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, he worked as an Industrial Engineer at Eli Lilly and Company, retiring from there after 39 years of service.

 

Von was always an active participant in the community. He served as the scoutmaster for Troop 124 at Orchard Park Presbyterian Church. He was a poll worker for many years, enjoying seeing his friends and neighbors on election day. He was a deacon and elder at church, volunteering many hours including church camps and mission trips. Throughout his life, Von was proud to have donated several gallons of blood for charity. Von also was a dedicated member of Broad Ripple Sertoma, and enjoyed helping charities raise funds with the other Sertoma members. In his retirement, he was busier than ever, volunteering and traveling the world with Jean, his wife of 73 years.

 

Von was predeceased by his brother, Walter, his son, John Ballew, son-in-law Gary Shepherd, daughter-in-law Linda Batchelor-Ballew; and granddaughter, Valerie Ann Howard. Von is survived by his wife, Jean Ballew, daughter Zoe (Thom) Howard ; son Pete Ballew (Darien Tropf); daughter Linda Shepherd; Daughter Barbara (Mark) Tubbs; Daughter Katie (Matt) Haugk; 12 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

 

A visitation will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at Orchard Park Presbyterian Church, followed by the funeral at 3 p.m. There will be a memorial party at the Barrington in Carmel at 4:30 p.m.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Orchard Park Presbyterian Church of Carmel, or to the Broad Ripple Sertoma club. 

 

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.flannerbuchanan.com.

 

To view Von's services please click here.