Obituary of Owen Homer Ballew, Jr

Owen Homer Ballew, Jr. Owen Homer Ballew Jr., 63 of Erie, PA passed away on the morning of Tuesday, November 12, 2024 following a brief battle with metastatic melanoma. He was born in Dunkirk, NY on December 4, 1960 to Owen and Adeline Ballew of Brocton, NY. Owen graduated from Brocton Central High School where he met his high school sweetheart and wife of 38 years, Melanie J. Ballew, whom he married on October 2, 1982 in Brocton, NY. Owen and Melanie made their home in Erie following their wedding where he resided for over 40 years. Owen was a true model of love, honesty, bravery, and selflessness. He was a master of problem solving, a jack of all trades, able to fix anything with a motor, and always the first person to help anyone in need. Owen enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandsons, riding his motorcycle, and golfing with his friends. He was a carpenter in his spare time, building some incredible pieces for family and friends. Owen’s one-of-a-kind personality has left a lasting impact on all who knew him. He will be deeply missed by his children, Kaitlin G. (Ballew) Hanes and her husband James D. Hanes III of Erie and Owen A. Ballew and his wife Kate E. (Gourley) Ballew of Erie; three grandsons, James D. Hanes IV, Lincoln Owen Hanes, and Graceson J. Hanes. Owen is further survived by sisters, Janet (Chafin) Roberts of Mesa, AZ, Betty (Ballew) DeLand of Brocton, NY, Pam (Ballew) and Todd Cleary of Buckatunna, MS, Anne (Ballew) Smith of DeLand, FL, and Caroll (Ballew) Wester of Oil City, PA; his father-in-law, Charles Krauth of Brocton, NY; sisters-in-law, Michelle (Krauth) and Brian Walsh of Jupiter, FL, Marlene Krauth and Bonita Wheeler of Pottstown, PA, and Melissa (Krauth) and Eric Bubbenmoyer of Lenhartsville, PA; brother-in-law Michael and Jennifer (Dolce) Krauth of Lakewood, NY; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Melanie (Krauth) Ballew whom passed away just a few short years ago; his father and mother Owen and Adeline (Lincoln) Ballew; mother-in-law, Barbara (Ransom) Krauth; and two brothers-in-law, Roy DeLand and Bob Smith. Friends and family may call at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd. on Friday, November 15, 2024 from 4 pm until 6:30pm. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to a charity of the donors’ choice.