Michael Ira Ballew

Michael Ira Ballew

Thursday, November 7th, 2024, our sweet brother, uncle, cousin & friend joined our Lord and many loved ones who had already passed into eternity. This came after his 2023 diagnosis of cancer and heart disease, as well as his stoic battle with Alzheimer's Disease.

Mike's life is a beautiful story of resilience and accomplishment. He was born in Hobart, Oklahoma on January 18th, 1952, to Ira Glenn Ballew and Bonnie Lucelle Ballew. In 1952, his family moved to Arvin, California, where he started grade school, Cub Scouts, and later Boy Scouts. In 1959, they moved to Bakersfield, California, where he attended junior high and Foothill High School. After leaving high school, Mike joined the United States Navy. He served from 1972 - 1976. He is a proud Vietnam Veteran.

Mike’s military success and training led him to become a devoted employee for the Transit Authority in the Los Angeles area for 37 years, until his retirement in 2014.

It was during his employment in transportation that he felt led to go back to college to earn his AA degree. This achievement allowed him to be promoted as a lead transportation mechanic. With a smile on his face, Mike loved to tell the story of how he made the decision to attend and complete college. And then move up the chain of command at work. The Lord blessed him with this wonderful milestone. In 2014, Mike retired from transportation and decided to move to Texas. What a blessing Texas was for him. He made many, many friends and enjoyed his retirement life to the fullest. God is so good!

In Texas, Mike worshiped and served at White's Chapel Methodist Church and Gateway Church. In addition, he served at and attended several area senior centers. It is in these areas that he met many special people that he called his friends. It is also where he began to experience even more of what Texas had to offer. One of his very favorite stories to tell was of traveling with his senior group to a Dinosaur Museum. He was absolutely amazed by the dinosaur animatronics display there.

Mike really loved serving people in so many ways. We heard from many who were blessed to have been a beneficiary of Mike's many kindnesses. He stayed by the side of several ill friends and brought them flowers and gifts (usually a stuffed animal). He liked giving cards to people, and often would give a rose to ladies on Valentine’s Day, or their birthday. He never wanted anybody to feel left out or lonely. He enjoyed helping with many community events, such as the World Vision concerts and other Christian concerts. He stuffed gift bags for conferences and conventions. He loved to serve at food distributions and soup kitchens. If Mike was asked if he could help, he almost always said "Yes!". He was eager to lend a helping hand, and he had a great collection of tools. If you had something that needed to be fixed, he would go home, get his tools, and go back and take care of what needed fixing.

Mike was very kind and giving. Some of his favorite phrases were, "It's easy to be kind", "There's no reason not to be kind", and "If you can help someone, you should just do it." I have heard many times from many people, "Everybody loves Mike." And it's very true. Everybody really does love Mike.

Growing up, Mike wasn't very athletic. But as an adult, he bought a very nice workout set for his home that he used a lot to build muscle and strength. He was also trained in martial arts. He loved going to the gym to work out and train with others. He was also a bike-riding enthusiast. He had a very nice bicycle but the last time he rode it, he had a spill and injured his leg. That was the end of riding on the street for him. But when he got a professional stationary bike, he loved to get on it regularly. That was the best way to ride a bike!

In December 2023, Mike moved from independent living into assisted living. It was at Sage Oak of Denton where Mike met his angels here on earth. The staff fell in love with Mike, his funny jokes, his flirtations, his orneriness, his singing, and his signature ear wiggling. While there, he enjoyed helping the chefs prepare meals, the handyman paint, and participated in other fun activities.

At Sage Oak, they gave him respect and provided a safe space for him to express himself in ways he needed most. We are so appreciative of their provisions and their tenderness.

In addition to the staff at Sage Oak, Mike met his final earthly angels who provided the needed guidance and protection for the final stage of his journey here on earth. The Concho Hearts Hospice team came in at the right time and provided the perfect amount of love for him and his family. We are so grateful for their hearts and their expertise!

Mike is survived by his sister Queta and husband John; his brother Frank and wife Sharon; 

nephew Paul and wife Diana; great nieces Melissa, Julie, Annie; niece Wendy and husband John; niece Cindy and husband Steve; great nieces Allyson, Julia, Lindsay and great nephew Zach; nephew Brian; great nephew Timothy; great niece Lydia, as well as many other nieces, nephews, cousins, and many, many friends who loved him dearly.

Mike was lovingly received into heaven joining his mother Bonnie Lucelle; his father Ira Glenn; his brother Fred; and his sister-in-law Vera.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project in Mike’s honor.