Kenneth Ballard

Kenneth Joe Ballard went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on his 75th birthday, April 24, 2012. He had his family by his side and then received the most blessed gift of going to his heavenly home. Services will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 27, 2012 at the First Christian Church with Pastor John Miller, officiating. Burial will follow in Higgins Cemetery under the direction of Hughs Funeral Home of Canadian, TX. Kenneth was the eldest son of Jim and Cora Mae McCurdy Ballard formerly of Canadian. Kenneth was born in Canadian, TX. He was a Canadian High School graduate of 1955. He worked at Santa Fe and SPS in Amarillo while achieving his education at West Texas State University in Canyon, TX. He graduated in 1968 with a BBA. He then worked for the U.S. Government Agriculture Dept., in the Rural Electrification Administration for 35 years before retiring to the family ranch. He married Delia Aliene Thomas on May 18, 1956 at the Lipscomb Union Church. They had three daughters, Theresa Ballard, Kimberly Ballard Hines and Sharon Ballard Ellison. Kenneth was a devout Christian who loved the Lord. He was a member of the First Christian Church of Canadian, TX. He was an Elder and Deacon in many churches through the years. He also enjoyed being a Sunday school teacher. He loved and spent many hours studying prophecy and sharing that knowledge with his family. Kenneth also loved being a farmer and rancher in Lipscomb County and being a grandfather and great-grandfather. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kimberly Ann Ballard Hines in 2000, parents Jim and Cora Mae and by his sister, Shirley Haines. He is survived by his wife, Delia Aliene Ballard of Lipscomb, TX; his daughters, Theresa Ballard of Lipscomb, TX; Sharon Ballard Ellison and husband Bart of Newport, TN; his grandchildren, Rachel Kimberly Ellison of Newport, TN; Brian Ash and wife Corie of Lipscomb, TX; Sergeant David Kenneth Ash and wife Michelle of Conroe, TX; his great-grandchildren, Teagan, Tessa and Tait Ash all of Lipscomb, TX; Garrett Kenneth and Gunner Ash both of Conroe, TX; his brothers, Luther Ben Ballard and wife Jane of Fallbrook, CA; Danny Ballard and wife Cathy of Borger, TX; his sisters, LaJuana Stipe and husband Eugene of Yukon, OK; Lela Harris and husband Jerry of Pampa, TX and many nieces and two nephews. The family suggests memorials be made to BSA Hospice, P.O. Box 950, Amarillo, TX 79105-9975 or the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312.