(From Parker Mortuary)John Charles Ballard, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and skilled leather smith, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2024, at 11:56 a.m., surrounded by his loving wife, Judith, and family. He was born on September 9, 1951, in San Antonio, Texas.
A man of deep faith, John devoted his life to Christianity and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Joplin. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy as a Hospital Corpsman, where he became respected in the medical community for his dedication to caring for others.
Following his service, he pursued his passion for craftsmanship, becoming both a master leather smith and a skilled farrier and blacksmith. His expertise in creating saddles, bridles, and various leather goods made him widely known throughout the United States and admired for his artistry and precision.
For many years, John made his home in Joplin, Missouri, where he built a life centered around faith, family, and his craft. John is survived by his devoted wife of 34 years, Judith Ballard, their blended families Mark Ripley and Bonnie, Jason Ballard and his wife Kimberly, Christy and her husband JR Conner and Christi and her husband Curtis Esterline. John and Judith shared eleven Grandchildren and two Great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Chip Ballard, Leslie Harpool, and Bill Ballard, all of whom will cherish the memories he leaves behind. John was proceeded in death by his parents Ltc (ret) Hugh and Joy Ballard, and sisters Cynthia Willis and Sandra Hatfield.
For many years, John made his home in Joplin, Missouri, where he built a life centered around faith, family, and his craft. John is survived by his devoted wife of 34 years, Judith Ballard, their blended families Mark Ripley and Bonnie, Jason Ballard and his wife Kimberly, Christy and her husband JR Conner and Christi and her husband Curtis Esterline. John and Judith shared eleven Grandchildren and two Great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Chip Ballard, Leslie Harpool, and Bill Ballard, all of whom will cherish the memories he leaves behind. John was proceeded in death by his parents Ltc (ret) Hugh and Joy Ballard, and sisters Cynthia Willis and Sandra Hatfield.
John’s commitment to his craft, his faith, and his family will be remembered and celebrated by those who had the honor of knowing him. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the beautiful, handcrafted pieces he created throughout his life.
A celebration of John’s life will be held with military honors on Thursday, October 24, 2024 at the Springfield veteran cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are under the special care and direction of Parker Mortuary.
I worked alongside John at St. John's and he was a pleasure to work with. I remember his sense of humor and gentleness with the psychiatric patients. May he rest in peace.
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