Joseph Kelly Ballard Sr., 79, of Festus died Oct. 29, 2026, at Mercy Hospital Jefferson in Crystal City. Mr. Ballard was a Navy veteran of the Vietnam War. He was a member of Amvets 42, VFW 3777 and American Legion 253. He was a retired groundskeeper for Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis County. He was considered a man of few words, known for his quick wit, kind heart, generosity, quiet strength and willingness to help others in need. His family was his greatest pride, and he enjoyed providing for and showing up for the people he loved, whether it was a family gathering, a school event or simply being there when someone needed a listening ear. He will be remembered for the memories he created with friends and family and for his kindness, selflessness and unwavering love. Born Dec. 21, 1946, in Rockmart, Ga., he was the son of the late Dora “Irene” (Dover) Harrington and Wesley Howell Ballard.
He was preceded in death by his wife: Opel “Susan” (Becker) Ballard.
He is survived by three daughters: Freeda (Bobby) Venz of Festus, Tracey Ballard of Festus and Karin I. (Jason) Ballard-Bartlett of Perryville; three brothers: Wesley (the late Joyce) Ballard of Rockmart, Ga., Michael (Laurie) Harrington of Fenton and Timothy “Ray” Ballard of Dallas, Ga.; a sister: Joy Isner of Zebulon, Ga.; seven grandchildren: Joshua (Michelle) Venz, Jacob Venz, Julia (Janney) Gilley, Terri (Ryan) Friedmeyer, Lorin “Shae” (Brandon) Wagner, Mitchel (Olivia) McKenzie and Brandon (Brittany) McKenzie; and 12 great-grandchildren: Rory, Viola, Jonah, Mason, Binnington, Bodie, Kayce, Norah, Judson, Madison, Everly and Lincoln.
He also was preceded in death by a son: Joseph K. “Jody” Ballard Jr.; and two great-grandchildren: Gabriel and Myleigh.
Visitation is scheduled from 10:30 a.m. until funeral services at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main St., in Festus, officiated by Pastor Kyle Castens. Interment will be in Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens in Crystal City. Memorials may be made to any veteran’s support group of the donor’s choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.