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Martin Luther Ballou was born on May 24, 1934, in Locust Grove, Oklahoma, to Robert Lee and Ella Mae (Butler) Ballou. He was the oldest of 13 children and the only one born at home in the Ballou Community in Indian Territory. Surrounded by his loved ones, Martin departed this life on Friday, September 5, 2025, in Claremore, Oklahoma, at the age of 91 years.
Martin grew up in the Ballou Community and attended the Ballou Indian Day School before continuing his education in Locust Grove. A lifelong resident of Mayes County, he was united in marriage to Joan Marie Sullateskee on July 14, 1959, in Pryor, Oklahoma. Together, they shared more than 52 years of marriage before Joan’s passing on October 1, 2011. Martin had a big sense of humor, and fondly joked, “I’m going to Jackson,” referencing how he enjoyed teaching his wife the things she didn’t yet know.
Martin served his country with honor in the United States Marine Corps, fighting in both the Korean Conflict and Vietnam. He was proud to be a marine and he and his family celebrated the Marine Corp birthday every year with cake and ice cream. Martin was a skilled rifle marksman, he often recalled that he had been “around the world three times and Dan Batt’s chicken fights.” For the past two years, he held the distinction of being the oldest Marine attending the Marine Corps Birthday Celebration in Tahlequah.
Throughout his working years, Martin was employed at Phillips Driscoll Pipe in Pryor, where plastic pipe was manufactured and later worked at the Pryor Foundry. He was a devoted member of Ballou Baptist Church, where he served faithfully as a deacon, licensed minister, and song leader. His favorite hymn, sung by his father in the Cherokee language, was “Christ’s Second Coming”. A true man of faith, Martin loved sharing about the Lord and lifting his voice in song.
Martin enjoyed many simple pleasures. He liked to mow his yard, pick up sticks and rocks, and keep everything neat and tidy. He loved planting flowers and took pride in his yard. He enjoyed watching all sports, was an avid OU fan, and held lifetime passes for Locust Grove football and basketball games. Most of all, he cherished supporting his grandchildren in all their activities. His love for family was constant, and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren held a special place in his heart. He will be missed by all that knew and loved him.
Survivors include: 3 children: Carl Gene Ballou of Locust Grove, Oklahoma, Tony Ballou of Locust Grove, Oklahoma, Vicky Jo Osburn and husband Tom of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; 8 grandchildren: Laurin Keen of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Alia Ballou of Lawrence, Kansas, Farrah Ballou of Lawrence, Kansas, Sabrina Ballou of Lawrence, Kansas, Nathaniel Ballou of Catoosa, Oklahoma, Meagan Ballou of Claremore, Oklahoma, Jaycee Wilson of Phoenix, Arizona, Todd Wilson and wife Mary of Shawnee, Oklahoma; 4 great grandchildren: Alana, Tripp, Mariana, Kayce, 3 brothers: Clinton Ballou & wife Jolinda, of Locust Grove, Oklahoma, Daniel Ballou and wife Jan of Kenwood, Oklahoma, Robert Ballou, Jr. & wife Sandra of Locust Grove, Oklahoma; 4 sisters: Anna Hickman and husband Herman of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Sally Backwater of Locust Grove, Oklahoma, Barbara Deegan of Locust Grove, Oklahoma; Eunice Ballou of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; Numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.
Martin was preceded in death by: his parents: Robert & Ella Ballou; his wife: Joan; 1 son: Harold James “Jim” Ballou; 4 sisters: Mary Lou Ballou, Carrie Marie Ballou, Emma Mouse, and Wilma Littledave; and 1 brother: Tommy Ballou.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M., Thursday, September 11, 2025, at the Cornerstone Outreach, in Locust Grove, Oklahoma. Services have been entrusted to the Locust Grove Funeral Home. Memories, condolences, and tributes may be shared at www.locustgrovefuneralhome.com.
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