Bobby Dean Ballard, Sr., age 83. Joplin,. passed away on Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at The Wildwood Ranch Specialized Living Center.
Bob was born June 21, 1933 in Joplin, son of the late Gabe and Minnie Ballard, he grew up in Seneca before joining the United States Army where he was stationed in Germany. He returned to Joplin and took a job in Hertz Rent a Car, and graduated from Joplin Junior College. Bob purchased the Hertz franchise in 1971, and continued to operate this business until his death.
Bob married Kay Comer in 1956. The couple had two children, Sheila and Bobby, Jr. After Kay's passing, Bob married Patty Hamilton in 2002.
Bob was a member of the local VFW, Eagles Lodge, and was a past Exalted Ruler of the Joplin Elk's Lodge. In his younger days, he loved playing his guitar, singing, and played in several bands throughout the area. Later in life Bob took up golf, and enjoyed playing a couple of times a week with friends at Briarbrook Country Club.
In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his first wife, Kay Ann Ballard in 1999, and a daughter, Sheila Ballard. in 1994.
Survivors include his wife, Patricia Shofler Ballard; son, Bobby Ballard, Jr. and wife Jane of Joplin; grandson, Cody Allen Hamilton of Joplin, and a step-son, James Allen Hamilton of Chico, California.
Funeral service will be Saturday, January 28, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. in Parker Mortuary Chapel. Visitation with friends and family will be Friday 6:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. at Parker Mortuary.
Interment will military honors will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Elk's Lodge Christmas Fund.
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