Andrew William Ballard

Andrew William Ballard, 47, passed away on September 15, 2026. Born December 7, 1978, in Douglas, Ga, Andrew’s life was shaped early by a childhood that moved often—through Columbia, MO; Woodbury, MN; Austin, TX; and even Tokyo, Japan—each place adding to the curiosity and imagination that remained hallmarks of his days. He resided in Freeburg, Illinois.

Andrew carried an adventurous spirit into the everyday, pairing a steady sense of loyalty and fairness with an independent mind not easily swayed. Intelligent and honest, he was also unmistakably original—marked by an artistic streak, a playful edge, and a dry wit that could lighten a moment without diminishing its meaning. Faith mattered to him, and it showed not in display, but in the quiet consistency of how he treated others and how he chose to live.

Music was one of Andrew’s earliest languages. He played percussion in school bands and, as a young adult, played bass in a local Christian band—bringing passion and creativity to the rhythms that gathered people together. He later graduated with a BA in English Literature from U.W Eau Claire, a fitting achievement for a critical thinker who valued words, ideas, and the deeper questions beneath the surface.

Andrew worked mostly in food service, approaching honest work with the same steadfastness he brought to the rest of his life. He was strong-willed in the best sense—committed, dependable, and guided by principle. Friends and neighbors knew him as someone ready to help, and he volunteered at the soup kitchen, offering his time with sincerity and a faithful heart.

At home, Andrew’s devotion shone most clearly in fatherhood. A beloved and devoted father, his favorite times were spent with his kids and family. He made room for joy and togetherness in simple, lasting ways—epic family bike rides, and meals that became family lore through great kebobs and “Dad’s Familiar Meatballs.” His love for the outdoors never faded; he never lost the amazement and wonderment of nature that began in childhood, and he found meaning in being outside, attentive to the world’s quiet beauty.

Andrew also loved writing and published a dystopian novel, a testament to his imaginative mind and the thoughtful intensity with which he engaged the world. In his work and in his life, he brought both conviction and creativity—an uncommon combination that those who knew him will remember with gratitude and respect.

He is survived by his three children and their mother: Kelly Ballard, Daven, Alder, and Mykah Ballard of Madison Wisconsin. His two sisters Emily (Kory) Oman of Gresham, Oregon; Carissa (Cody) Fosdick of Tampa, Florida.His brother Jonathan (Haylee) Ballard of Dripping Springs, TX. Parents: Bill and Marilyn Ballard of Freeburg, Illinois. Nieces and Nephews: Will, Nathan, Eli, Elizabeth Oman, Abigail, Audrey and Angela Fosdick, and Chandler Harper of Dripping Springs, Texas.

Services are scheduled for Saturday, January 16th, 2027. Time and location to come closer to date of service.