Photo courtesy of Markiewicz Funeral Home, P.C. - Lemont
Jun 8, 1950 - Jan 19, 2026
Sending love and sympathy to his daughter. Holding you in my thoughts during this difficult time. I’m deeply sorry that life didn’t give you the chance to truly know him, and that he missed the opportunity to know the remarkable person you’ve become. Wishing you comfort, peace, and the strength you’ve built with the family who truly love you.
Ruth Belserie
January 27, 2026
I am so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I did not know Tom well, but he was always a bright sunny spot in my day!
I am a school bus driver from Homer Glen, but drove special needs children to several schools in Lemont for the last few years! Tom did the traffic control at these schools. I got to know him from our short chats at the exit from the schools as he was always out there with a smile, a friendly hello and genuine concern for not only our safety, but also how we were all doing...
Louise Serpico
January 23, 2026 | Homer Glen, IL | Friend
I worked with Tom for nearly 20 years at Tellabs
He was a good man and an honorable man and will be missed by all who knew him
RIP Tom
Gary Wemple
January 22, 2026 | Aurora, IL
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ballard family.
Marion County ESDA Unit, Salem Illinois
Sheri Brooks - Barter
January 22, 2026 | SALEM, IL | Coworker
I’m so sorry to hear of Toms passing. I worked with him in Lemont several years ago and he was so dedicated to his service. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
Charity Jones
January 21, 2026 | IL | Coworker
Remember Tom well worked several Chicago Marathons with him
Dennis Reavis
January 21, 2026 | Diamond. Il, IL | Friend
Tom, very good person, humor, and smart, and caring for others. Online virtual flying and friendship for two decades.
Steven Palmer
January 21, 2026 | Scio, OR | Acquaintance
Tom, you will be dearly missed. You were a reliable EMAT member with a willingness to tackle any DA assignment. I enjoyed deploying with you and laughing at the Summit. May you enjoy the snacks and cigars in Heaven.
Rita, my sincere condolences to you at this time of loss. May you find solace in the outpouring of support for you and Tom.
Erin Laske
January 21, 2026 | IL | Coworker
I knew Tom, when I lived in Lemont. Although I've been gone from Lemont since 2005, where I call 'home', great folks like Tom made me miss Lemont even more! Seemed he was always serving the people, and civic organizations, as well as assisting Lemont PD. He always done it with pride, and leadership. Quite sure he will be missed greatly! God bless his entire family!
Greg and Michele Sniegoski
January 21, 2026 | Maricopa, AZ | Friend
Thomas D. Ballard, of Lemont, lost his 18-month battle with cancer on January 19, 2026, at the age of 75.
Preceded in death by his parents, George & Barbara Ballard; brother, Steve Ballard; and sister, Leslie Ballard.
He is survived by his wife of over 40 years, Rita, nee Chmielewski, Ballard; his dog, “Buddy”; sister-in-law, June Ballard of Texas; brother-in-law & sister-in-law, Leon & Lorine Chmielewski; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He graduated from Lyons Township High School in LaGrange, IL, and then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He was in the Air Force for 8 years and served in Vietnam. He worked as an electronic technician for Rockwell International & Tellabs, before joining the Village of Lemont, taking on the position of Director of Emergency Management for the Village, where he worked for 35 years. He was honored to receive the “Employee of the Year” and “Senior Citizen of the Year” for his work and dedication to the Village of Lemont.
One of his hobbies was Ham Radio Operator, where he volunteered for many events in the area doing communications, one of the events was the Chicago Marathon where he participated for many years. He was a life-long Cubs and Bears fan.
Visitation Monday, January 26, 2026, from 2 – 7 p.m. and Tuesday, January 27, 2026, from 9 a.m. until time of funeral services at 10 a.m. at Markiewicz Funeral Home, P.C. 108 Illinois St. Lemont. Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.
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