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John Ballard Obituary
A graduate of West High School, the University of Akron and the University of Michigan Law School, he served as an infantry lieutenant in General Patton's army during World War II and as a special agent with the FBI. He practiced law in Akron, became active in local politics, was elected to public office over many years, was a supporter of many civic organizations and projects, and later taught college courses in urban leadership.
He served as the Summit County Prosecutor from 1957-1964 and as the Mayor of the City of Akron from 1966 to 1979. He later served as an adjunct associate professor in Urban Studies at the University of Akron for 15 years.
Born on September 30, 1922, he was the son of Irby S. and Sarah I. McCormick Ballard of Akron, Ohio and leaves behind his brother, Charles (Barbara) of Port Charlotte, Florida; sister, Ruth Schieb of Ann Arbor, Michigan; and his wife of 21 years, Patricia Dennis-Whittenberger Ballard of Akron.
Formerly married to Ruth Holden Ballard of Akron, who preceded him in death, he leaves behind children, Susan (Larry) Allen, Karen (Dave) Thomas, John H. (Mary Lou) Ballard, Mark (Cathy) Ballard and Ward (Kari) Ballard; and step-children, Mark (Tracy) Whittenberger and Cynthia (Fred) Teich. His grandchildren include Julie (Brendan) McConnell, Michael (Alexis) Allen, Anthony Amodeo, the late David Amodeo, and Alexandra, Mallory, Julianna, Bethany, Kolbe, Isaiah, Luke, Micah, Caleb, Seth, Daniel and Emma Ballard, and Renee Whittenberger.
Raised in the First Baptist Church, Akron, he was an active member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Akron, for many years and then a member of the community of St. Luke's Anglican, Fairlawn. He was thankful for his many blessings and leaves a legacy of memories within his family of his caring concern, family reunions and hiking together in the hills and valleys of Akron's parks.
Friends may call from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd. Military honors by Charles Faust American Legion Post 281 will be held at 2 p.m. A private family service will be held at a later date. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Keep Akron Beautiful, 850 East Market St., Akron, OH 44305 or a charitable organization of your choice.
(Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Ballard
Steve McAbee
May 4, 2012
I remember going golfing with Mayor Ballard and his son Mark back in the early 70's. I also remember the Acme Zip games. I always thought that Mayor Ballard was an important, nice, kind man.
My condolences to his entire family.
Charlie Crane
April 30, 2012
Mr. Ballard will always be "Mr. Mayor" to me. His enthusiasm for life was infectious, and his laugh is unforgettable. I have many fond memories of going to ball games, bowling, sundaes at Mary Coyle's and simply hanging out at 107 Kenilworth with Ward and his siblings. I join his many friends and admirers in a final salute to a fine man.
John & Susan White
April 30, 2012
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Michelle Curtis
April 30, 2012
Dear John & Mary Lou & Family and Extended Family and Friends,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and everyone involved with your Father. Your Dad had a full life and one well lived. John, I still remember sharing a German Book with you in Junior or Senior High. Also about ten years ago, you gave a ride from Wallhaven when my car was down. Your Dad was like that also. My Mom talked highly of your Dad. I became active in national, then state and local politics from about 71' to 91'. I grew an appreciation for the elected of public office. Everyone should run for office or help someone run at least once in your lifetime. It is an education surpassing 5 years of college. And makes me value leaders, like your Dad.
May your memories of your father and family and friends, sustain you, in this time of sorrow. My deepest Sympathy and Empathy goes out to you and your family, and all those that were involved with your Dad, in one way or another. May Peace and Love follow you, thru your days and nights. As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Curtis Family
renetta otis and family
April 28, 2012
To the ballard family i am sorry for your loss may the lord comfort you and keep you filled with loving memories
Joe Bialek
April 28, 2012
I recall having John as a visiting instructor at the University of Akron while I was completing my MPA in the Department of Urban Studies. What I enjoyed most about the class was John's straight-talking down-to-earth approach to public administration. It was always comical at the beginning of each class because John tried to take the "academic" route but usually after about one-third of the class time had passed he would always drift and then shift into practical and common-sense mode. It was truly uncanny. He seemed humble in his own way and never struck you as pretentious in light of his successes. God speed Mayor Ballard. We will all miss you.
Wally Techau
April 28, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the family.
April 28, 2012
John
I am truly sorry for your loss. May God be with you and your family through this trying time.
Kathy Johnson
Ron Black
April 27, 2012
I will always remember how the Mayor would see "inductees" off at the Greyhound Bus Station on Broadway.
I thought what a nice gesture for a busy and an important man - to take the time to send us off, especially when it was NOT a popular thing to do.
I will always remember his kindness that morning,especially to my parents.
I was fortunate to become an Akron Police Officer after I was discharged. Mayor Ballard was ALWAYS a gracious and caring person. I was proud to serve under him.
Carol S
April 26, 2012
Mark & family,
My prayer for you and your family:
God our gracious Father cares for us always. He will comfort you and yours in the loss of your father. Peace to you and your family.
The Staff of Billow Funeral Homes
April 27, 2012
Offering our deepest condolences during this time.
Robert & Kitty Ford
April 26, 2012
Be Still
Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.
Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.
If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.
By Lamaretta Simmons
April 26, 2012
May the God of comfort bring comfort to yur family at this difficult time, Isaiah 12:2
anonymous
April 26, 2012
I have been a John Ballard fan since I was a young girl. i always sensed kindness and decency in him and I used to anonymously call and sing Happy Birthday to him. I'm sorry that my parents decided not to buy the house that would have made us neighbors. I finally got to meet him and deal with him as an instructor while a grad student in the Urban Studies Program at AU. May fond memories of this wonderful man sustain those he leaves behind with such a wonderful legacy.
April 26, 2012
Ballard Family,
John worked a lot of his life in the service of his country and Summit Co. He was a good man and helped many people. I was proud to serve on his team.
Jimmy Mathews Akron PD (Retired)
April 26, 2012
Please accept my condolences.. May the God of comfort strengthen your family during in this most difficult time. (Isaiah 12:2) Ann, GA
Liz Smartt-Stevens
April 26, 2012
John and Family
I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your dad, never had the pleasure of meeting him. May God Bless and keep you and yours in his loving arms at this time.
Larry Burns
April 26, 2012
I'm sorry to hear of the passing of Mayor Ballard. I worked for the City of Akron (1966-'81) for nearly the entire time he was in office. He was a great Mayor and a wonderful person. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Ramona Lindsay-Sisler
April 26, 2012
I pray that God will wrap His arms of love around you during this time. Thank you for sharing your loved one with us during his time as Mayor! And John Ballard, thank you for your service and dedication to our country, to your familly, and your community. Rest in peace.
Steve & Sharon Stallard
April 25, 2012
After I got out of the army I joined the reserves. Our budget was getting cut to the bone in the late 70's. Our unit didn't have the funds to get our trash dumped and the anti-military atmosphere was still in full swing. I called the mayor and asked him if he felt patriotic today ? He said in a very loud voice; 'I feel patriotic every day". I told him they wouldn't let us in the dump. He told me, you and your men take those vehicles to the dump, I'll take care of everything. We took 5 truckloads. The guy at the gate was mad because I went over his head. John Ballard was a man of action. He wrote to military folks when we were overseas. He got the job done. We need more politicians like him in office. Our Condolences to the family. John Ballard was a good man.
Barbara Schieb-Gibbons
April 25, 2012
I've known my Uncle John my entire life. In many ways, he's always represented my Akron "roots;" Akron being where both of my parents were born and raised. I have many fond memories of Uncle John and can still hear his voice and his laugh. While I haven't seen him a lot since I've been an adult, he kept in touch with me by writing lengthy hand-written notes in my birthday and Christmas cards. He even called me on the phone several years ago (I think it was to congratulate me on my recent marriage). He was good to my mom (his sister) and to my husband and me. He let us know that he cared about us. He was a good guy. I love Uncle John!
Ann Garber
April 25, 2012
So sorry to hear about your Father. He was a wonderful man who did great things for the Akron Community. God Bless you All!
Ann Garber
Liz Hawkins Crosby
April 25, 2012
John and Mark
I'm so sorry to learn of your father's passing. He was always so well regarded and whenever I think of Akron leadership - your dad is the first person to come to mind. Please know that the entire Akron community shares in your loss.
April 25, 2012
Dear Pat and family,
Please accept our deepest sympathy on the loss of John. It was a real pleasure to know and work with a man of such impeccable integrity and honesty. He will be sorely missed.
Sincerely, George and Priscilla Lenox
Wolfeboro, New Hampshire.
William Wilson
April 25, 2012
John worked very hard for the City of Akron and as a Police Officer & Friend I have the greatest respect for him, my deepest condolences for his family and friends.
William Wilson
April 25, 2012
John & family,
I'm Michelle (Simons) Yoder and I worked for you at the CSBMR/DD. I was saddened to hear of the passing of your father and want you to know that you and your family are in my prayers. May you be comforted by the happy memories you have of your dad until you meet again.
105 Ligontown Road
Farmville, VA 23901
[email protected]
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