Ben Ballard, Jr

Ben Ballard, Jr. age 83 died Tuesday, May 4, 2010 at his home in Shawneetown after an extended illness. Ben was born in Eldorado, Il on November 18, 1926 to the late Ben, Sr. and Mable (Watson) Ballard. On September 27, 1955 he married the love of his life, Phyllis (Rogers) Ballard who survives. Ben served his country in WW II in the United States Navy in the Pacific on the USS Lexington. He was co-owner and operator of Eldorado Automotive for 36 years. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Equality, a founding member of the Saline Valley Conservancy District, member of the Gallatin County Housing Authority, Past Commander of the Shawneetown American Legion, 60 year mason, and was Mayor of Shawneetown for 2 terms. He loved to Quail hunt and play golf with his friends. He was a good husband, father, grandfather and friend, he will be greatly missed in the Gallatin and Saline County areas.

Ben is survived by his wife of 56 years, Phyllis of Shawneetown, a son and daughter in law, Jeff(Cindy) Ballard of New Port Richey, FL, 3 grandchildren, Chelsea, Morgan, and Logan Ballard of Harrisburg, Il and a niece Rob (Tim) McGrath of Eldorado, Il.

Services for Ben will be Thursday, May 6, 2010 at 2:00 PM at the Cox and Son Funeral Home in Shawneetown where friends may visit the family after 10:00 AM A Masonic rites for Ben will be performed at 11:00 AM. The funeral service will be officiated by Rev. Jim Allison and interment will be in the Westwood Cemetery in Shawneetown where military rites will be conducted.