Marion R. Ballard, 93, of Columbia, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2017 at South Hampton Place skilled nursing facility in Columbia. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, October 28th, with visitation from 1:00 p.m. until service time at Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Columbia. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Columbia with full military honors. Marion was born on August 7, 1924 in Bagnell, Missouri to Asa and Mary (Howser) Ballard who preceded him in death. He married Shirley Jean Wisner on July 4, 1948, in Osceola, Missouri, and she survives. While a student at the University of Missouri in 1943, Marion was drafted into the Army. He served in the European Campaign during World War II reaching the rank of Army Staff SGT. Marion returned to the University of Missouri after his service and completed his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture degree in 1948. Marion and his family returned to Columbia in 1952 and he worked for the University of Missouri for 34 years before retiring in 1986. During retirement Marion and Shirley developed a passion for volunteering at The Food Bank. For over 10 years Marion volunteered mornings five days a week and Shirley joined him three days a week. Survivors include daughter Sharon Brim (Bob) of St Charles, son Roger Ballard (Susan) of Columbia, daughter Rita Millner of Nokomis, FL, daughter Tami Firsick (Brian) of Fenton, eight grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by one son-in-law, Rob Millner and three brothers, Harold Ballard, Glen Ballard and Olen Ballard. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Ballard Buddy Pack Fund at The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri or Central Missouri Honor Flight.
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