MARK LESLIE BALLENGER
Mark Leslie Ballenger, age 75, of Wellston passed away Monday, November 17, 2025, at Four Winds Community in Jackson. He was born on December 19, 1949, in Chillicothe, Ohio to the late Chester E. Ballenger and Mary M. Blanton Ballenger.
Mark worked as an underground electrician in the coal mining industry for 30 years. He was also as a maintenance man for Ohio Precious Metals and apartment complexes in Jackson for twelve and a half years. He was a former member of Wellston Nazarene Church, but his current membership is at Newark Nazarene Church. Mark loved to attend church and sing with his praise team and loved every mission trip he was to go on. He loved working hard and buying every tool on the market. Some of Mark’s other favorites were running, fishing, pool time with the grandchildren, planning vacations, taking his sons to Reds games and his sons taking him to Blue Jackets games. He loved everything about Christmas, and he made it special for his family.
Mark is survived by his wife of 55 years, Audrey Wright Ballenger of Wellston; two sons: John Mark Ballenger (Jill) of Gambier, Ohio and David Ballenger (Jenn) of Newark, Ohio. Also surviving are the stars of his life, his five grandchildren: Andrew (Andrea), Zachary, Brooklynn, Alliya, and Emma; and two rising stars, his great-grandsons: Ezra and Rowan. Mark is also survived by his dear sister, Diann Coppock (Richard) of Cheswick, PA; sisters-in-law: Billie Wright of Vinton, Anita Johnson (Jim) of Wellston, Janet Jones (Mike) of Wellston, Melinda Ballenger of Chillicothe, and Teresa Ballenger of Waverly; along with his beloved 11 nieces and nephews and 22 great-nieces and great-nephews, who enriched his life and gave him joy. Besides his parents, Mark was preceded in death by a dear niece, Kristi Wright Ware; his in-laws: Morine and Sherman Wright; his buddy and brother-in-law, John Wright; and his only brother, Tim Ballenger.
Private services will be held for the family at the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston. In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate donations be given to Mount Vernon Nazarene University, 800 Martinsburg Road, Mt. Vernon, Ohio 43050. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com.