Frost, Texas - Robert Ballew, 80, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 13, 2024, at Baylor Scott-White in Waxahachie, Texas. Robert was born in Corsicana, Texas on July 21, 1944, to Robert Lee and Edna Ballew of Frost, Texas. Robert grew up with his beloved sisters, Leah Greenup and Elizabeth Singleton, and his first job as a young boy was a shoe shiner at his father's Frost barber shop. He was saved at the very young age of 10 at Frost Baptist Church and was baptized in Frost Silver Lake.

After graduating from Frost High School, he graduated from Navarro College in 1964 where he was involved in fine arts. He then joined the Peace Corps where he served in Bolivia until 1966. There he learned to speak Spanish fluently, a skill he carried on throughout his life by teaching English to Spanish speaking cotton gin employees. He was a full-time field agent that worked side by side with the forestry department, helped to improve the local dairy industry, and oversaw important crop and livestock distribution. He cherished his time in South America and took many train trips to Peru, Cuzco, Machu Pichu, and Buenos Aires.

Robert valued education and went on to graduate from the University of Houston in 1968. After, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in Korea until 1970 where he was exposed to Agent Orange which caused lifelong diabetes.

Upon returning home, he married Velma Phillips of Frost, Texas, on Feb. 12, 1971. They were blessed with their two children, April Allen and Lowell Ballew.

Robert continued his service to others by working for the Texas Employment Agency and the Texas Rehabilitation Commission office before retiring in 1997. He also created a photography company that did all photography for school annuals, weddings, and portraits.

He enjoyed traveling, golfing, and playing music for his family and friends. Robert and Velma shared 53 years together, becoming valued members of the Frost community. He was a Frost fireman and member of Frost City Council and Frost Men's Club. He taught Sunday school classes for adults and youth, coached youth baseball and basketball, was the music leader, and deacon of Frost Baptist Church for many years. He created the 1990 Frost Baptist Church Centennial and the 100th and 125th anniversary celebrations for the City of Frost. He was always on the Board of Directors of Frost Heritage Centex Museum.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters; and cherished fellow veterans. Robert is survived by his wife Velma Ballew; children Lowell Ballew (Shay) of League City, TX; April Allen of New Orleans, LA. Grandchildren, Sarah Allen (Matthew) of Corsicana, TX; Emma Seaton (Brandon) of Baytown, TX; Aidan Ballew of League City, TX; Liam Ballew (Eileen) of Costa Mesa, CA; Jude Ballew of Foley, AL and Olivia Ballew of League City, TX. Great-grandchildren, Charlee Seaton, Stella Seaton, Isabel Little, Dean Little, and Joseph Ballew.

A celebration of life service is to be held at 11 A.M. Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, at Frost Baptist Church. Reception to follow.