Donald Eugene Ballard

Our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Donald Eugene Ballard, passed away on Wednesday, February 22, 2017. We are heartbroken, but thankful he is no longer suffering. Don was born March 22, 1934 in Bearden, Arkansas to parents Claude Samuel Ballard and Lois Pierce Ballard Harris. He was a country boy from Arkansas who never forgot his roots. Don graduated from Camden High School in 1952, and was a member of the Panthers football team. He worked 3 jobs to put himself through college, and graduated with a Chemical Engineering degree from the University of Arkansas. He remained a lifelong Razorback fan. On October 21, 1961, he married Myrtice Lynnette Guidry of Baton Rouge, LA., and they had two children, Mark and Amy. Don began working for Coastal Chemical Company in 1963, and retired in 1997 as Vice President of Marketing. Don had a vast knowledge of the oil and gas industry, and was often consulted by other individuals and corporations for his expertise. He served on the Board of Directors for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and was a longtime member of Tallowood Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. He enjoyed watching football, and was a Houston Oilers season ticket holder for many years. Don was kind, polite and served his God faithfully. He always had a word of encouragement for others, and will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family. After a car accident in which his wife sustained brain damage in 1968, he devoted his life to her care for almost 50 years. He was a dedicated father, and expressed his love to his children daily. Don always placed the needs of others before his own, and his character will be his legacy. He shall remain in our hearts and minds and be forever missed. Don is survived by his wife, Lynn Ballard; son Mark Ballard and wife Diana; daughter Amy Ballard Vega; grandchildren Stephanie Ballard (Kellsey), Rebecca Ballard Ruple (Wes), Emily Vega, and Zachary Vega; great-granddaughter Lilith Ruple. He is also survived by his longtime friend, Jesse Ortiz; sister-in-law Debbie Thornton (Joey); brother-in-law Chuck Guidry (Mary Catherine), and other extended family members in Arkansas and California. A visitation will be held Tuesday, February 28, 2017 from 6-8p.m. The funeral will be Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at 12:30p.m. Both the visitation and funeral will be at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77079.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association