R. Max Ballenger

Roice Max Ballenger, 88, of Henderson, passed away on Sunday, May 24, 2009, at Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, 2009, at Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home in Henderson. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, 2009, at Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home Chapel. Graveside will follow at Lakewood Memorial Park in Henderson with Rev. Bill Blan of the First Christian Church of Kilgore presiding.Max was born Aug. 27, 1920, in Henderson, to Robert Turner and Ivy D. Ballenger. He grew up with his sister and two brothers and attended schools in Henderson. After graduating high school, he attended Texas Christian University and graduated in 1943 with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce majoring in general business and minoring in economics. His summers during this time were spent as a roughneck in the oil fields of West Texas. While attending TCU, the United States entered World War II in which Max enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Upon graduation in October of 1943, he immediately began his active duty at Paris Island, North Carolina and upon completion of his training became a second lieutenant and was relocated to Honolulu, Hawaii where he served the remainder of the war. He was a captain when he completed his active duty with the Marine Corps in July of 1946.Returning home, Max met the love of his life, Jean Matthews on the square in downtown Henderson. They were married on September 10, 1949 and would have celebrated 60 wonderful years together this September.It was during this time that Max entered the real estate business and enjoyed many successful years working with his mother, Mrs. R.T. Ballenger, who was the first woman in Texas to receive a real estate license. Within this period, he developed a passion for the oil and gas industry, establishing himself as one of the most sought after oil and gas men in East Texas. He became a member of the National Association of Royalty Owners and the American Association of Professional Landmen. Recognizing his knowledge of the oil and gas industry, Citizens National Bank appointed him to serve on the board of directors where he served for over 28 years.Although he loved his work, his true devotion was to his wife, two daughters, grandchildren and family. He was always in attendance at any special event of his children and grandchildren. His soft spoken gentle nature, patience, love and understanding were indicative of his character.He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Francys Walls; brother-in-law, Bill Walls; nephew, Bill Walls Jr.; brother, Robert Ballenger; and his sister-in-law, Joyce Ballenger.Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Jean Ballenger of Henderson; daughters, Mrs. Babs Kersh and husband Randy of Henderson, Mrs. Beth Welch and husband Greg of Kingwood; brother, Dan Ballenger of Kilgore; sister-in-law, Patsy Farley and nephew, Matt Farley of Henderson; four grandchildren, Clayton Kersh and wife Kacy of Henderson, Kelli Kersh of Henderson, Max and Loren Welch of Kingwood; one great-granddaughter, Kinsey Kersh of Henderson; six nieces, Lynda Glass, Barbra Keene, Francys Ann Ballenger, Mary Somerville, Brynda McNey and Nancy Roberts.Active pallbearers will be Scott Crawford, Jim Kangerga, Monty Bonner, Mark Mann, David Alford and Brad Keitt. Honorary pallbearers are Citizens National Bank Board of Directors, Hugh Phillips, Charles Richardson, Billy Crawford, Luther Keitt, Bob Minton, Angus Mims, Lindale Stuart, David Wallace and Dr. James Mann.Henderson has lost a fine citizen, a beloved friend and fixture to the community and a true gentleman. He will be truly missed.If desired, donations can be made to the Village Learning and Achievement Center, Kingwood, TX (www.villagelac.org), First United Methodist Church of Henderson (www.fumchenderson.org) and Rusk County Children's Advocacy Center of Henderson (www.ruskcountycac.com).The family would like to express their sincere thanks to his caregivers, Betty Elder, Arene Ware and Mary Anthony and to his nurses Jean Mills and Deborah Boren and all of the employees of Assist Care Home Health.

R. Max Ballenger

August 27, 1920 - May 24, 2009