Howard L. Ballard

Howard L. Ballard, 95, of Machesney Park, IL, passed away peacefully, Sunday, February 8, 2026. He was born July 25, 1930 in Blanchardville, WI, the son of Arie B. and Hilda C. (Lofgren) Ballard. He proudly served in the United States Army and enlisted at the age of 17. He was stationed in Hawaii and South Korea. Howard trained the soldiers in the South Korean Military. In September 2017, He was invited to the 2017 Appreciation Luncheon for U.S. Army Veterans and Representatives in South Korea.

Howard married Evelyn H. Barnes on February 28, 1953 and together they shared 63 years together while raising five children. He was a charter member of North Park Covenant Church, where he served in many capacities. He was employed for 29 years for National Lock and retired after 10 years at Eaton. Howard and Evelyn moved to Glendale, Arizona and was active at the Glendale Senior Center. He participated in the Senior Olympics while in Arizona. Howard was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and was happy to see them win the World Series in 2016. He helped start the Harlem Community Center, coached many female softball teams for 18 years and went on win year after year. Howard enjoyed going to the YMCA for many years, participating in water aerobics and socializing with his friends at the Y. He looked forward to taking the annual family vacations every year in the Shasta trailer.

Howard is loved and missed by his children, Steven Ballard and DiAnn (Ronald) Theobold; grandchildren, Ann (Mike) Rayborn and Toni (Dan) Herhold; great-grandchildren, Kirstyn Becker, Kayla Sterkeson, Trevor Salisbury and Mercedes Herhold; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Evelyn, sons Howard L. Ballard Jr. and Gary (Mary) Ballard, daughter Deborah Ballard, grandson Connor Theobold, as well as many siblings.