J T. Ballenger

John Tillman Ballenger of Jennings, Oklahoma, age 80 died Friday, February 15, 2008 at his residence in Jennings, Oklahoma. J. T. was born July 1, 1927 in Bernice, Oklahoma; the son of Earnest and William Ethel (Daniels) Ballenger.

J. T. moved at an early age with his family to a farm on an oil lease just east of Hallett, Oklahoma where he began his education. The Ballenger family later sold the farm near Hallett and moved to Jennings where, J. T. was raised and completed his education.

On August 1, 1946 he was married to the love of his life, Louella Ann Carpenter. The couple eloped with their friends, George and Coeta Birk and both couples were married in Winfield, Kansas. After their marriage, J. T. and Louella returned to Jennings where they established their home. After the completion of his education, John began a long career in the pipeline construction business as a laborer working as a member of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry, Local 798. During the nearly fifty years to follow as a member of Local 798, J. T. worked on numerous pipeline projects throughout the United States and South America; working in over twenty-eight counties as a helper, welder and welder foreman. J. T. and Louella traveled together following the pipeline in the early years of their marriage. After the birth of their five children, Louella remained in Jennings during the school year and would bring the children during the summer to the job sites when school was out. Louella preceded him in death on Novmeber 3, 2006. J. T. was a avid outdoorsman and loved hunting and fishing.

J. T. will be lovingly remembered by his three daughters and their husbands, Susan K. and Nile Hanlon of Jennings, Oklahoma, Linda A. and Jim Anglin of Cleveland, Oklahoma and Sharon S. and Steve Page of Cleveland, Oklahoma; two sons, John R. Ballenger of Sacremento, California and Kevin L. Ballenger of Jennings, Oklahoma; nine grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; two sisters, Nicki and her husband, Vernon Morrison of Jennings, Oklahoma and Laura Echalk of Stillwater, Oklahoma; numerous other relative and friends. In addition to his wife, Louella; J. T. was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Brian K. Page; great-granddaughter:, Kaylee N. Hamner; and a sister, Velva Glance.

A celebration of the life of J. T. Ballenger will be held at 2:00 pm Tuesday, February 19, 2008 at Chapman-Black Funeral Home with Chaplain Joe Anglin officiating. A private burial will be held at the Jennings Cemetery under the direction of the Chapman-Black Funeral Home. Friends may share a memory with the family at the funeral home or online at www.chapman-black.com