Roger N. Ballew, 81, of rural Bloomfield, passed away at 10:05 p.m. on Friday, November 6, 2026, at Jasper Memorial Hospital. Born on May 9, 1945, in Middlesboro, Kentucky, he was the son of Press Lee and Tennie (Carpenter) Ballew.

Roger's working years took him down many roads. He worked in logging and sawmills, poured concrete for highways and other projects, worked in construction, and managed a pallet shop. In the coal mines, he was known as "The Eagle." Later, behind the wheel of a semi-truck, he was known as "The Bear Chaser." Those nicknames became memorable parts of a working life defined by determination, versatility, and a willingness to take on a hard day's work.

Outside of work, Roger enjoyed interests that kept his hands busy and his mind engaged. In his younger years, he liked to fish. He enjoyed working on engines, bartering and trading, collecting antiques, and following politics. He also appreciated the simple pleasure - and possibility - of a scratch-off ticket.

More than any job title or nickname, Roger was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother. His legacy lives on in the family he loved and in the example of hard work and commitment he leaves behind.

Roger is survived by his wife, Karen L. (Johnson) Ballew; five daughters, Tina (Curt) Johnson, Becky (David) Reed, Jodi Marsee, Kelly (Craig) Reel, and Vicki (Scott) McHenry; eleven grandchildren, Curtis (Anastasia) Johnson, Jr., Erica (Charles) Hubbard, Preston (Shylee Chambers) Reed, Riley (Dalton) Carpenter, James Marsee, Austin Marsee, Miranda Marsee, Andrew (Kylee) Reel, Ashton (Stephen) Ison, Jordan (Nick) White, and Tyler (Bethany Barngrover) McHenry; thirteen great-grandchildren; two sisters, Sherry Fuller and Retha (Jim) Bolton; a brother, Clarence (Kathleen) Ballew; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Earl Ballew, Grace Sharp, Gail Massengill, Carol Lawson, Wayne Ballew, Blaine Ballew, Jim Ballew, Ed Ballew, Helen Ballew, Grady Ballew, Clyde Ballew, and Harvey Ballew.

A funeral service to celebrate Roger's life will be held at Welch & Cornett Funeral Home in Worthington, of Walton Funeral Service, at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, with Pastor Paul McHenry officiating. Burial will follow at Prairie Chapel Cemetery, rural Lyons.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday from 10:00 AM until the time of service.

Online condolences may be shared at www.welchcornett.com.