Matthew Allen Ballard

Matthew Allen Ballard began his journey in life on August 28, 1985 in Tulsa, OK to Alva “Boe” and Teresa (Murphy) Ballard. He attended school in Decatur, AR and was raised with four siblings, Christopher, Benjamin, Rachel, and Robyn. He worked in many professions throughout his life and nearly always held management roles. He was clever and curious, possessing a special ability to figure anything out just by tinkering around or seeing it done. He went on to meet his future wife, Briana O’seland and they were married April 20, 2008, holding a beautiful ceremony at Tenkiller Lodge in Keys. They were blessed with two children, Beverly Mae and Dillion James or “DJ” as he likes to be called. Becoming a dad was Matthew’s greatest joy in life; his children and family were his world. He was the best and most compassionate dad and ultimately decided to put his career to the side in order to stay home with the kids. To him, there was no better place than home, surrounded by family and cuddled up with the kids. He was quite the cook, especially when it came to Mexican food which was his all-time favorite, and could make the best tacos. When he had some down time, he could be found playing X-Box games such as Metal Gear Solid, Resident Evil, and Grand Theft Auto just to name a few, and was working on teaching DJ his gamer tricks. Matthew and his wife would often kick back to watch some of their favorite comedians. He was hilarious and always joking around, anything to get a laugh out of someone, and truly loved life. Even through his battle with his health, he never lost sight of those that meant the most to him. On June 10, 2024, he completed his journey at the age of 38 years old.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents.

His memory lives on through his wife, Briana Kathleen Ballard and two children, Dillon James “DJ” Ballard and Beverly Mae Ballard of the home, and parents Alva “Boe” and Teresa Ballard of Tahlequah, OK. He also is survived by his two brothers, Christopher Edward Ballard and Benjamin Ryan Ballard with wife Amber, both of Tahlequah, OK, his two sisters, Rachel Marie Barnett with husband Billy and Robyn Sharee Ballard, also of Tahlequah, OK, as well as four nephews, Coby, Calob, Conner and Landon “Bugga” Ballard, two nieces, Harper and Emberlee Ballard, as well as many friends and loved ones.

It was Matthew’s wishes to not hold services, but that those he love remember the life he lived and hold tight the beautiful memories shared.

“No matter what happens, just know that I am happy with the life that I lived. I have done everything that I wanted to do. I love you all very much.” – Matthew Ballard