Neal K. Ballard

Neal K. Ballard, age 80, died November 9, 2009. Neal was born and raised in the Lockhart area and moved to Austin in 1949. He retired from the Texas Highway Department after 39 years of dedicated service. Neal is survived by Lurline, his beloved wife of 61 years, two daughters, Kayline Cabe and Karen Thormahlen, son-in-law Roger Thormahlen. Neal was “Opa” to Mika Carroll, Krista Bartsch and husband William, Dr. Ross Thormahlen and wife Celinda, Captain. Kurt Thormahlen, USMC and wife Rosmond and Lana Thompson and husband Steve, Captain, USMC, great grandchildren, Layne, Cabe, Matthew, Harper, a brother Donnell Ballard and wife Mary Frances and sister, Eloise Adams.Neal, also known as “Bear”, excelled in sports in high school, and earned a football scholarship to The Institute (Rice University) where he played in the 1947 Orange Bowl. During their life together, Neal and Lurline traveled and camped with friends and family in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico and Europe and enjoyed several cruises. “Opa” loved to see his grandchildren participate in school activities and never missed their games or events. Neal was an active high school and college sport’s official for football, basketball and baseball and umpired countless softball games for over 30 years. Neal was a passionate deer hunter and had hunted on the same ranch in Wimberley for 50 years. He spent his last weekend doing what he most loved, deer hunting, laughing and talking with the hunters in camp. Neal was an Elder in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.He was preceded in death by his parents, C. A. and Hallie Ballard, mother-in-law Hertha Kalisky, son-in-law Poe Cabe. Pallbearers are Roger Thormahlen, Ross Thormahlen, Kurt Thormahlen, William Bartsch, Layne Bartsch, Lee Schuelke, David Braune and Herman Borchers. Honorary Pallbearers are Neal’s hunting companions, camping friends, and Friday night supper group.Visitation will be held at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar in Austin on Wednesday, November 11, from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. Funeral services will be held at Cook-Walden Funeral Home on Thursday, November 12 at 1:00 P.M. Burial will follow at 3:30 P.M. at City Cemetery in Lockhart, Texas