Richard Overton Ballard

Richard Overton Ballard, 80, passed away January 8 at his home in Leawood, KS. He was the only child of Gertrude and Overton T. Ballard. He was born in Kansas City on Feb. 15, 1936 and knew a happy childhood. Richard grew up in Brookside, in an era that allowed him to take off on his bicycle with his pals, explore and have fun, as long as he was home before dark! He attended Border Star Elementary School and Southwest High School. He also attended Kansas City Junior College and graduated from Kansas University in 1958. He furthered his education at the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI. He served his country in the U.S. Army Finance Corp.

Richard spent his entire career 33 years with the Comptroller of the Currency as a National Bank Examiner. He was awarded the Albert Gallatin Award, by the U.S. Treasury Department.

He married Jerry Lou Koontz, on August 30, 1958 and had a loving and enduring marriage of 58 years. They had two daughters, Kimberly and Kelly, who were adored by their parents. He was never happier than packing them up for a long road trip, or a camping trip. He never lost his love for being behind the wheel of a car or boat! He enjoyed 29 years of Lake living at Sunrise Beach, MO., happily pulling his two Grandchildren, Brett and Blair, around the lake, tubing and waterskiing. He relished reading books from his swinging chair overlooking the water. He enjoyed his retirement tinkering with his model railroad, a hobby he shared with his son in law, Mark and collecting model cars. He was always ready to take a trip and see the country his favorite way, through the windshield of his car.

He is survived by his wife, Jerry, his daughter Kim (Mark) Mawhiney of Overland Park, his daughter Kelly of Stamford, CT., his grandson Brett Mawhiney (Kati), of Baltimore, MD., his granddaughter, Blair Mawhiney and his 2 month old great granddaughter Meredith Mawhiney whom he met at Christmas time. He also leaves his sweet dogs, Totsie and Beasley, who tried their best to bring him comfort.

A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, January 12, at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, 137th and Roe, Leawood, KS at 11am. Visitation will be at 10am and a light luncheon will be provided after the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care, 1500 Meadow Lake Pkwy, #200, Kansas City, MO, 64114 or to the American Cancer Society 1100 Pennsylvania, KC, MO 64105-1375 or to the Church of the Resurrection Foundation, 13720 Roe Ave., Leawood, KS 66224.