May 15, 1957-Oct. 9, 2013

Eddie James Ballard, 77, of Cassopolis, was called home peacefully to be with the Lord, Wednesday morning, Oct. 9, 2013, in his residence in the presence of his loving family.

Eddie was born May 15, 1936, in Jackson, Miss. to Will Henry and Margaret (Sorsby) Ballard. He married Bettye Jean Danzy July 6, 1957, in Calvin Township. She survives.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Margaret Jean Ballard, Wanda DeLois Thomas; and one brother, Alfred Ballard.
Eddie worked at Wheelabrator in Mishawaka for 25 years, where he was vice president of the union. He retired as custodial xupervisor from the Elkhart Public Schools, where he was president of the union. He also served as Calvin Township treasurer.

His passion was his family and his church, where he was a deacon. He served as chairman of the Deacon Board as well as teacher and superintendent of Sunday School at Chain Lake Missionary Baptist Church. He was also chairman of the Deacon Board at New Jerusalem Baptist Church where he and his wife taught a marriage enrichment class. He enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s activities.

Eddie was a mentor to many young men. He coached baseball and softball and was a 4-H leader, having taken his softball team to state competition twice. He was a 32nd degree mason. He was always caring for and helping everyone in the neighborhood, especially the senior citizens. He was a long time, trusted, valued and respected employee of Connelly (Wagner Family) Funeral Home and was always a welcome sight by the families they served.
Eddie will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Bettye (Danzy) Ballard of Cassopolis, three daughters, Peggy (The Reverend Oscar) Crear of Indianapolis, Ind., Patty (Todd) Works of Cassopolis, Sally (Bryan) Taylor of Edwardsburg; seven grandchildren, Tanesha Crear and Alex Crear, both of Indianapolis, Deanna Forbes of Three Rivers, Dominic Forbes of Kalamazoo, Kev’on Taylor of Edwardsburg, Keyshawn Works and CherWasha Hill, both of Cassopolis; one great-grandson, Caden Harris; four sisters, Velma Danzy and Pearl (Joseph) Hunt, both of Cassopolis, Dorothy Williams of Elkhart, Patricia (Harold) Curtis of Cassopolis; two brothers, Willie (Curly) Ballard of Vandalia, Kenneth (Arlene) Williams of Kalamazoo; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Family and friends will gather today from 5 to 8 p.m. in Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, 202 N. Broadway St., Cassopolis. Funeral services will be Tuesday at 1 p.m. in Chain Lake Missionary Baptist Church, 16853 Chain Lake St., Cassopolis, with the Rev. Oscar Crear officiating. Mr. Ballard will be laid to rest in Calvin Center Cemetery, Calvin Township.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or message online: wagnercares.com.