David Ballard Obituary

David S. "Dave" Ballard

Jun 16, 1950 - Jan 2, 2023

Norwalk

David S. "Dave" Ballard, 72, of Norwalk, passed away Monday evening, Jan. 2, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Dave was born June 16, 1950, in Norwalk, to the late David K. and Donna (Sayles) Ballard. He was a 1968 graduate of Norwalk High School and was inducted into Norwalk High School Hall of Fame in 2018 as a distinguished citizen.

Dave proudly served his country during the Vietnam War as a member of U.S Army, 101st Airborne Division. He was a crew chief door gunner on CH47 Chinooks from 1970-1971. Dave served in Air National Guard from 1974-1977. He was a Bronze Star recipient and received various other air medals. Dave was a ride mechanic at Cedar Point for 28 years and member of Laborer's Union #480. In retirement, he served other veterans by being a transporter at Ohio Veteran's Home. Dave was a life member of V.F.W. Post #2743, American Legion Post #41, Disabled American Veterans, Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Eerie Mad River Model Railroad Club, and chairman of Huron County Veteran's Memorial Committee. In his spare time, Dave enjoyed woodworking, model railroading, and painting. His greatest joy of all was spending time with friends and family, especially his grandchildren.

Dave is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Bonny (Bartow) Ballard, whom he married Aug. 31, 1974; children, Randi (James) Plue of Sandusky, Matthew (Nicole) Ballard of Norwalk, and Jillian (Jon Konz) Ballard of Wakeman; grandchildren, Michael, Gloria, Isabelle, Zachary, Elle, Theodore, Charlotte, and Ian; brother, Dennis "Jake" (Janet) Ballard of Collins; sisters, Debi (Don) Helton of Norwalk and Dawn Freeman of Norwalk; sisters-in-law, Lorna Koehn of Norwalk and Connie Bartow of Sandusky; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Dave was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Gloria Bartow; father-in-law, Ralph Bartow; and brothers-in-law, Randy Bartow, David Koehn, and Michael Freeman.

Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, and 10-11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, at Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home, 98 W. Main Street, Norwalk, Ohio, 44857. Dave's funeral will be 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions can be made to Stein Hospice Services, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, Ohio, 44870, Wounded Warriors Project, P.O.Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas, 66675-8516, or one's favorite charity.

Fond memories and condolences may be shared online at www.walkereastmanheydingerfh.com.